m^m^^m 















•V?"'<if'&' i'vimff:'^ w-yiirK:. 




WAR GOVERNORS 



fX i-J ^ '" ' - ■-■■ 




Class E^ X ^ i_ 
Book. /f'^c?_ 

CORfRIGHT DEPOSm 



CIVIL WAR MESSAGES AND 
PROCLAMATIONS 




Governor Alexander W. Randall 

From a photograph taken during the War 



Wisconsin History Commission: Reprints, No. a 



'/^i-^OTHf^'"'' • ■'. ■>-. ■ f?""^- 



CIVIL WAR MESSAGES AND 

PROCLAMATIONS OF WISCONSIN 

WAR GOVERNORS 



EDITED BY REUBEN GOLD THWAITE5 

In collaboration with Asa Currier Tilton and Frederick Mer*.. 



WISCONSIN HISTORY COMMISSION 
DECEMBER, 1912 






TWENTY-FIVE HUNDRED COPIES PRINTED 



Copyright, 1912 
THE WISCONSIN HISTORY COMMISSION 

(in behalf of the State of Wisconsin) 



Opinions or errors of fact on the part of the respective authors of the Commission's 

publications (whether Reprints or Original Narratives) have not been modified or 

corrected by the Commission. For all statement^, of whatever character, the Author 
alone is responsible. 



DEMOCRAT PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTER 



^ 



C!,A3;i069:i 



Wisconsin History Commission 

(Organized under the provisions of Chapter 298, Laws of 1905, as amended by Chapte? 
378. Laws of 1907, Chapter 445, Laws of 1909, and Chapter 628, Laws of 19M) _ 

Francis E. McGovern 

Governor of Wisconsin 

Charles E. Estabrook 

Representing Department of Wisconsin, Grand Army ' 
of the Republic 

Reuben G. Thwaites 

Superintendent of the State Historical Societ}) of Wis- 
consin 

Carl Russell Fish 

Professor of American History^ in the University of Wis- 
consin 

Matthew S. Dudgeon : c.' ' 

Secretary of the Wisconsin Library Commission 



Chairman, Commissioner Estabrook " ! -^ 

Secretary and Editor, COMMISSIONER Thwaites 
Committee on Publications, COMMISSIONERS ThwaITES AND 

Fish 



CONTENTS 



Wisconsin History Commission . . - 

Editor's Preface ..... 

Editor's Preface ..... 

Messages and Proclamations 

Governor Alexander William Randall, 1858-1862 
Biographical sketch 
Annual message, January 15, 1858 
Annual message, January 13, 1859 
Annual message, January 12, 1860 
Special message, March 7, 1860 - 
Annual message, January 10, 1861 
Attempts to compromise 
An appeal Tor funds ... 

Four proclamations - . . - 

, Regimental assignments 

Special message, May 9, 1861 
Military disbursements 
The war establishment . . - 

Another call for troops ... 
Wisconsin men for Wisconsin regiments - 
Thanksgiving proclamation 
No additional regiments needed 
Expenditure of war funds - 
Governor Louis Powell Harvey, 1862 

Biographical sketch - - - - 

Annual message, January 10, 1862 
Health of the I'egiments 
Claimants of extra pay ..- 
Claims against the United States - 
Veto message - - - - - 

Death of the Governor 
Governor Edward Salomon, 1862-1864 

Biographical sketch - - . - 

Proclaiming Governor Harvey's death 
An appeal to volunteers 



Page 

V 

xiii 



1 
4 
14 
15 
27 
29 
45 
47 
4S 
52 
53 
64 
67 
70 
74 
75 
78 
80 

89 
92 
103 
104 
109 
110 
113 

114 
118 
117 



[ vii 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Special message, June 3, 1862 .... 119 

Military claims ...... 130 

Veto message ...... 132 

Special message, September 10, 1862 - - - 135 

Appeal to the legislature - - - . - 144 

Thanksgiving proclamation .... 146 

Draft riots rebuked ---..- 147 

Annual message, January 15, 1863 - - - 152 

Information refused ..... 179 

Condition of Camp Randall .... igo 

Sanitary relief ...... igi 

The draft --.-... 133 

Military contingent fund - - - - - 189 

Civil actions against soldiers .... 190 

Suffering families - - - - - - 192 

Miscellaneous messages, February-March, 1863 - - 194 

Thanksgiving proclamation .... 197 

Governor James Taylor Lewis, 1864-1866 

Biographical sketch ...... 199 

Annual message, January 14, 1864 - - - 201 

Surgeons ....... 21I 

Sanitary agents ...... 212 

Gettysburg Cemetery ...... 214 

Thanksgiving proclamation .... 2I6 

Revising enrollment lists ..... 217 

Annual message, January 12, 1865 ... 221 

Thirteenth Amendment ..... 240 

Sick and wounded - • ' - - - - 241 

Gettysburg Cemetery ..... 245 

Stealing recruits - - - - - - , 246 

Surrender of Lee ...... 247 

Peace pioclaimed - - - - - - '.-* ^ 

Assassination of Lincoln ..... 249 

Thanking the volunteers ..... 251 

Thanksgiving proclamation .... 252 

Negro suffrage in Wisconsin .... 253 

Lewis's contingent fund ..... 255 

Governor Lucius Fairchi'.d, 1S66-1S72 

Biographical sketch ------ 257 

Inaugural ceremonies . - . - . 260 

[ viii ] 



Index 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Annual message, January 11, 1866 - - - 271 

Special messages, January-March, 1866 - - - 282 

Negro suffrage assured - - - - - 283 

Annual message, January 10, 1867 - - - 286 

Annual message January 9, 1868 - - - - 295 

Deserters ------- 299 

Annual message, January 14, 1869 - - - 300 

Fifteenth Amendment . - - - - 302 

30&- 



[ix] 



PORTRAITS 



Alexander WilUam Randall 
Louis Powell Harvey 
Edward Salomon - 
James Taylor Lewis 
Lucius Fairchild - 





Page 


. 


Frontispiece'^ 


. 


89^' 


. 


- 114^ 

- 199/ 


. 


, 


- 257*^ 



[xi] 



EDITOR'S PREFACE 

The history of a war is usually deemed complete when its 
■compaigns have been discussed, its field operations described, its 
camp life portrayed, and the deeds of its heroes set forth in 
song and story. But the administrative and economic side of 
warfare is quite as worthy of consideration. Nowhere can this 
better be studied than in the reports and other state papers of 
those administrative officers whose duties are to supply troops 
and funds and from their home offices to keep intact the ma- 
chinery of civil government. Their tasks are less pictviresque 
than those of the military arm, but the result of the conflict is 
as often determined by them as by the troops on the firing line. 

During the turmoil of our Civil War, a considerable share of 
the responsibility of maintaining the credit of each Northern 
Commonwealth, fostering its economic growth and prosperity, 
keeping the peace at home, and at the same time stoutly aiding 
the Federal authorities with loans of money and contingents of 
volunteers, fell on the chief executive. As in the field, heroes 
sprang up in every command, so in civil life the crisis developed 
many master spirits whose energetic work in their line of 
duty ably supplemented that of the generals. 

Wisconsin was particularly fortunate in this regard. Her five 
"War Governors" — representing in themselves both the native 
American and the foreign elements of our diverse population — 
proved to be men wiiose capacity met the exigencies of the 
occasion. Their state papers, here reprinted from the obscure 
and rarely consulted public documents of the period, present an 
epitome of the glowing story of Wisconsin's proud share in the 
great struggle. In interest and subject, they range from Randall 's 
calm, but deeply earnest, discussion in 1858 of the wrongs of 

[ xiii ] 



EDITORS PREFACE 

slavery and the evils of nullification, to Fairchild's cordial en- 
dorsement of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitu- 
tion. A storehouse of facts, they are as well an adequate ex- 
pression of the thoughts and sentiments of the great mass of 
our people during the long struggle, and they do honor to the- 
heart and brain of the Commonwealth. 

The brunt of active preparations for the war fell on the 
shoulders of Governor Randall. An ardent member of the Re- 
publican party, he was in full sympathy with the Lincoln ad- 
ministration. His papers were briefs for the Northern cause, 
which he discussed in oratorical periods whose rotundity amuses 
us today, but such was the literary style of many of his con- 
temporaries in American statecraft. Nor was he lacking in 
logic and vigor as he arraigned before the bar of public opinion 
the purposes and methods of the Southern leaders. 

Randall was as active in leadership as he was fluent in speech. 
The energy with wiiich he responded to the President's early 
calls for troops, the ability and resourcefulness he exhibited 
in financing and organizing Wisconsin's military establishment, 
and his quick comprehension of military needs, soon won for 
him a national reputation; he became one of the most enter- 
prising and prominent of the "War Governors of the "West. 

Retiring from his high office at the close of 1862, Randall left 
the burden of sustaining Wisconsin during the continuance of 
the appalling crisis, to his former Secretary of State — now 
his successor, Louis P. Harvey. The one message sent by the 
latter to the Legislature, showed that his practical training in 
the Secretary's office had given him a grasp of the situation, 
and his ability to meet it was unquestioned. The few state- 
papers which he wrote, show him possessed of deep human sym- 
pathies ; these led him to undertake a mission of helpfulness to 
the theatre of war, which ended in his tragic death after only 
four months in the executive chair. 

The duties of the governorship now devolved on the Lieuten- 
ant-Governor, Edward Salomon. A German by birth, Salomon 

[xiv] 



EDITORS PREFACE 

had become among the most useful and patriotic of American 
citizens. The vigorous efficiency with which he met the respon- 
sibilities suddenly placed upon him, merit the highest praise. 
Throughout his administration, the war in the South was a 
stern business. Wisconsin was in a tense condition, every nerve 
and muscle strained to meet the shock. Regiment after regi- 
ment was recruited within our borders, organized, trained, and 
forwarded to the front. Aid for the sick and wounded was so- 
licited, gathered, and dispatched to the field hospitals; sol- 
diers' families required and were given frequent financial as- 
sistance; the State's resources were taxed to the last possible 
dollar. Draft riots broke out, but Salomon's proclamations to 
the people of the offending localities were sternly-phrased lessons 
in duty and obedience to law. On our then sparsely-settled 
northwestern border, restless aborigines threatened the security 
of frontier settlers. All such exigencies were met and firmly 
mastered by this sturdy German-American executive. A deep 
sense of duty, a capacity for prompt and efficient action, are ex- 
hibited in his tersely-phrased state papers. No more able ad- 
ministration has been given to our Commonwealth than by this 
man who came to his commanding position through an accident, 
but who completely satisfied the most exacting standards to set 
by his distinguished predecessors. 

To Governor James T. Lewis fell the closing fifteen months 
of the war. It was an administration at first characterized by 
a strong pressure for men, and later by the exciting Presidential 
campaign of 1864. In time came the welcome proclamation of 
peace, and in rapid succession the assassination of Lincoln, the 
homecoming of "Wisconsin 's volunteers, and preparations for the 
restoration of the social and economic status quo. Lewis was 
confronted by strenuous duties; but he met them squarely and 
ably. His messages and proclamations are replete with sound 
sense and a deep feeling of patriotism; and when he had occa- 
sion, which was frequently, for thanking the troops as they re- 
turned to their homes, his language was a dignified expression of 

[XV] 



editor's preface 

the pride felt by the State in the records of its representatives 
at the front. 

Governor Lucius Fairchild, himself one of the most gallant of 
Wisconsin s soldiers, was the moving spirit in our State during 
he four years of National rehabilitation. His messages relative 
to amendments to the Federal Constitution reflect his sympathy 
with the Congressional policy of Southern reconstruction Dur- 
mg his adn^inistration the soldiers' orphans became the wards 
01 the State, and aid was given to those returned volunteers who 
were wounded and infirm. In many ways, Fairchild was called 
on for active assistance in healing the wounds of the war in 
inaugurating prosperity on the peace basis, and in adjusting'the 
State s finances to new conditions. These administrative duties 
were performed by him with marked ability, and his state papers 
were worthy of the man and of his office 

In reprinting these state papers emanating from the five War 
Governors of Wisconsin, the Commission believes that it is per- 
forming a needed public service, for they furnish a mass of ma- 
ena. essential to any adequate study of Wisconsin's participa- 

worVof n T^f- -^'^ ^^-^^-P^"«-l sketches are largely L 
work of Dr. Asa Currier Tilton, formerly of the Wisconsin His- 
torical Society's stafi^, who also furnished about a third of the 

tributed the remainder of the notes and has rendered much prac- 
tical assistance m putting the volume through the press. Other 
editorial aid has been given by Dr. Louise Phelps Kellogg and 
Miss Annie A. Nunns of the same staff. 

Wisconsin Historical Library 
December. 1912. 



[ xvi 



Civil War Messages and Proclamations of 
Wisconsin Governors 



1 858-1 862. Alexander William Randall 

Biographical Sketch 

Alexander William Eandall, the sixth Governor of Wisconsin, 
was born October 31, 1819, at Ames, Montgomery County, New 
York. His father was Phineas Randall, a native of Massachu- 
setts; and his mother, Sarah Beach Randall of Schenectady, 
New York. His father was a lawyer and in 1851 followed his 
son to Waukesha, Wisconsin. 

Young Randall received a good elementary education, then 
studied law, and was admitted to the bar at the age of nineteen. 
In 1840 he came to Wisconsin and settled at Prairieville, now 
Waukesha. Here he practiced law, and at once took an active 
part in the public affairs of his community and State. He was 
one of the founders, in 1841, of Prairieville Academy, later 
Carroll College. For a time he was postmaster, and in 1846 
was active in securing the organization of Waukesha County 
from the western part of Milwaukee County. In 1842 he mar- 
ried Mary C. Van Vechten, also from his native county. She 
died in 1858. 

Randall's first prominent connection with State affairs was 
in 1846, Avhen he was elected one of the delegates to the first 
Constitutional Convention. In this Convention he introduced 
a resolution for the separate submission of the question of negro 
suffrage to a vote of the people. In 1848 he took part in the 
Free Soil movement, but did not long continue with it. 

[I] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1858- 

In the following years the slavery question was breaking old 
party alignments. Finally, the wing of the Democratic party 
to which Randall belonged united with a considerable part of 
the Whigs to form the Eepublican party. He was elected to 
the Assembly of 1855 from Waukesha and became one of the 
leaders of the new party therein. The same year he was can- 
didate for the attorney-generalship on the Republican ticket, 
but was defeated. 

In 1856 Randall was one of the counsel for Bashford in the 
Bashford-Barstow contest over the governorship. Later in the 
year he was appointed judge of the Second (Milwaukee) Judi- 
cial Circuit to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of 
Judge Levi Hubbell. He was, the following spring, a candi- 
date for election to this judgeship, but was not successful. 

In 1857 he was the Republican candidate for Governor. The 
contest was very close. Randall was elected, but his colleague, 
Carl Schurz, candidate for Lieutenant-Governor, was defeated. 
This result added a new factional element to political affairs 
which showed itself in the Republican convention of 1859, when 
the opponents to tlie re-nomination of Randall rallied around 
Schurz. Randall was, however, nominated and elected by good 
majorities. 

The interpretation which the Governor gave to the course of 
events in the approaching struggle between North and South, 
his foresight of the necessity for an appeal to arms, and the 
consequent recommendations which he made with the wish that 
his State might be prepared for the struggle, are shown in the 
extracts here given from his messages. 

When the war broke out he was prompt and energetic in the 
organization of a military establishment and in raising troops; 
and was painstaking in all those details that are so essential to 
successful military administration. The State camp at Madi- 
son was nam'ed in his honor, and this title has been preservedl 
since its purchase by the University of Wisconsin in 1893. 

Randall was an active participant in the conference of gov- 
ernors of Western and border states, held at Cleveland in 

[2] 



i862] BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

May, 1861; and was elected to lay the report of the confer- 
ence before President Lincoln. The same year he was a candi- 
date for a United States senatorship from "Wisconsin, but with- 
drew from the contest. 

At the close of his second term as governor, in January, 1862, 
Eandall wished to enter the army; but President Lincoln per- 
suaded him to accept a civil position where his executive ability 
and experience were more needed, and appointed him minister- 
resident at Rome. He remained there only a few months, how- 
ever, leaving his post in August, 1862. 

On his return, Randall again sought military service; but 
again was dissuaded by the President, who appointed him 
assistant postmaster-general in December, 1862. He held this 
position until the resignation of the postmaster-general, William 
Dennison, in July, 1866. President Johnson, whom Randall 
was supporting, then appointed him postmaster-general, and he 
held office until the end of Johnson's term', March 4, 1869. 

In 1863 he married Helen M. Thomas of Elmira, New 
York; and in 1865 changed his residence from Waukesha to 
that place. On his retirement from' the postmaster-generalship 
he took up the practice of law in Elmira, and continued therein 
until his death, July 26, 1872, 



[3] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1858- 



1858. Eleventh Annual Legislative Session, January 13- 

May 17 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention on 
January 15, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in the course of which he made the following allusions to the 
impending struggle between the South and the North: 

Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly: 



MILITIA AND STATE ARMS 

More adequate provision should be made for the organization 
of the militia system' of the State.^ If the proper steps are 
taken and exhibits made, the State will be entitled to receive 
during the present year, arms to the value of twenty-four 
thousand dollars.^ Some safe and commodious place ought to 



1 The militia system of the State was organized under Wiscongin 
Laws, 1851, chap. 8. In 1858 it was reorganized by direction of Id, 
1857, chap. 24. The recommendation of the governor for further 
changes was responded to by Id, 1858, chap. 87. The militia law in 
force in 1858 may be found in Wisconsin Revised Statutes, 1858, chap. 
31. Committee reports on the militia are given in Wisconsin Senate 
Journal (Madison, 1858), pp. 426-428, and in Wisconsin Assembly Jour' 
nal (Madison, 1858), pp. 1001-1003.— Ed. 

2 The State militia was provided with an annual allotment of arms, 
equipment, and stores by Act of Congress of April 23, 1808, which has 
been continued with modifications to the present. To share in the 
distribution, it is necessary that the State militia be organized in con- 
formity with the militia laws of the United States. For these laws 
see, in general, Davis, Military Laivs of the United States (4th ed., 1908, 
issued by War Dept.). — Ed. 

[4] 



1858] '^ ANNUAL MESSAGE 

be provided for depositing and preserving them. The volun- 
teer companies already organized are an honor to themselves 
and to the State, and are entitled to favorable public considera- 
tion.^ 



THE SLAVERY QUESTION* 

The subject of slavery, and the powers of the federal gov- 
ernment over the subject of slavery, are assuming at the pres- 
ent time a very grave importance. The question whether a man 
shall own himself, or another man shall own him, is of itself, in- 
finite in its importance to the parties interested ; but it becomes 
fearful in its import when the institutions of the whole country 
are likely to be involved in difficulty growing out of its connex- 
ion with that peculiar institution. Great controversies have 
arisen as to the duty of the Federal Government, and as to the 
duties of the States themselves, upon this subject, and this an- 
tagonism of opinion has led to antagonism of action, and is 
likely to involve the Federal Government and the States in grave 
confusion. The government of no one State has any right to 
interfere directly with the domestic institutions or government 
of any other State of the Union. The jurisdiction of no one 
State extends in any manner or for any purpose whatever over 
the territory of any other State. Each is sovereign within its 
own boundaries, and entirely independent, except so far as 
power has been delegated to the Federal Government, in express 
and exact terms, under the Constitution of the United States. 



3 The Adjutant General's report for 1858 lists the volunteer com- 
panies. — Ed. 

* On slavery and politics at this time see T. C. Smith, Parties and 
Slavery (American Nation series, New York, 1906); and for a fuller 
account, J. F. Rhodes, United States (New York, 1893), i, ii. See "Wis. 
Sen. Jour., 1858, pp. 63, 912 for report of joint committee on the portion 
of the message relating to slavery. — Ed. 

[5] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [^^58- 

The laws of no State reach beyond the limits of that State 
and every legislative enactment assuming a jurisdiction beyond 
a constitutional right, is void. Wisconsin has no right to in- 
terfere with the domestic, or any other institution of Virginia, 
nor has Virginia with those of Wisconsin. No legislative en- 
actment here, and no judgment of our own State courts, can 
interfere to abolish slavery in Kentucky, nor can Kentucky es- 
tablish slavery in Wisconsin. Beyond this, the Federal Gov- 
ernment, being purely a government of delegated powers, es- 
tablished for specific purposes, cannot abolish slavery in any 
State of the Union, nor can it establish slavery in any State, 
or in any of the Territories of the United States ; nor has it a 
right directly or indirectly to advise, countenance, or assent to, 
the establishment of domestic slavery any where within its 
jurisdiction. The Federal Government is entirely one of del- 
egated powers, and the powers delegated are independent pow- 
ers. There is no such thing as an independent power granted 
by implication. There are certain dependent powers, implied, 
assumed and exercised, as incidents for the purpose of giving 
effect to an independent power delegated. 

The Federal Government, therefore, takes nothing but that 
which the Constitution gives it in express terms, and acquires 
no right or authority to exercise any power not expressly del- 
egated, except so far as may be necessary to give force and ef- 
fect to one expressly delegated, and then only for the purpose 
€f carrying out the great objects for which the Government it- 
self was formed. The history of dead nations, written upon 
the record and in their ruins, tells us in terms of solemn warning 
the danger of departure, by any Government, in the exercise of 
its authority, from the great objects for which all good gov- 
ernments should be instituted, and of using legitimate powers 
as engines of oppression, and fraud, and wrong. The theory of 
our Government is that it was instituted to secure, among other 
rights, the rights to life and liberty, and that it derives all its 
just powers from the consent of the governed. The people or- 
dained and established the Federal Constitution, in order to 

[6] 



1858] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

"form a more perfect union among the independent States, es- 
tablish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the com- 
mon defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the bless- 
ings of liberty. ' ' 

Using the great powers delegated to the Federal Government 
by that Constitution for any other purposes than those intended 
and specified, operates as a direct violation of the principles that 
underlie its foundations ; denies practically, that the Govern- 
ment was instituted for the purpose of protecting and sustain- 
ing the rights to life and liberty; perverts the theory that it 
derives its just powers from the consent of the governed. In- 
stead of confirming the strength of a perfect union formed, it 
weakens its bonds, and tends to disunion. Instead of establish- 
ing justice, its tendency is to injustice and violence. It insures 
domestic confusion and discord, instead of tranquility; breaks 
down the constitutional walls erected for the common defence, 
opens the way for thick-coming disasters and misfortunes, in 
the place of promoting the general welfare, and shackles the 
liberty of the people instead of securing its blessings. 

The relation of master and slave is peculiar in its character. 
It does not depend for its existence, necessarily, upon local law. 
It is not a natural condition of any distinct race of men. It is 
rather a relation depending upon the exercise of force. It is a 
relation that existed before the present State Constitutions 
were made, and before there was any local legislation on the 
subject. Law makers and constitution makers recognized it 
as an existing institution, and passed no laws creating or as- 
suming to create it. It was established without law, and is 
sustained by law protecting the exercise of force without right. 
This is the character of the institution now sought to be forced 
upon a free Territory of the United States.^ Since A. D. 1820,® 



5 The struggle over the admission of Kansas was at its height in 
1858. See Rhodes, United States, ii, passim, — Ed. 

« Act of Congress of March 6, 1820, known as "Missouri Compro- 
mise." — Ed. 

[7] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1858- 

until within a brief period, slavery was prohibited by act of 
Congress north of what was called the Missouri Compromise 
line. That act was repealed and superseded by the Kansas- 
Nebraska Act. At the time of its repeal there was no slavery 
vn Kansas, in the judgment of the law. At the time of the 
passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act there tvas neither slavery 
nor involuntary servitude in any of the Territories of the United 
States, under the Constitution of the United States. There was 
no local law authorizing it, nor any act of Congress. There 
was neither a slave state or a free state having any jurisdiction 
over them. The Constitution of the United States never carried 
slavery into any free Territory of the United States. The states- 
men who made it did not make it for that purpose. The people 
who ordained and established it, did not ordain and establish 
it for that purpose. 

There is jn it neither an express or implied power to establish 
slavery anywhere. If there was slavery at that time in Kansas 
or any other Territory of the United States, it was without law, 
and in direct violation of every principle upon which our in- 
stitutions are based, and in conflict with the declared objects 
for which the Constitution itself was adopted. Neither in re- 
gard to slavery or any other subject, does the Constitution do 
that for which it was not intended or instituted, or that for 
which it does not itself declare it was intended or instituted. 
No partnership was formed by the Confederated States, at the 
time the Federal Constitution was adopted, for the purpose of 
creating or sustaining slavery. There was no article in the 
partnership contract declaring slaves to be common property, 
or registering them among the list of articles of chattels univer- 
sally recognized throughout the civilized world as common sub- 
jects of property. That cannot, by any just law, be made prop- 
erty which is not the subject of property. Men entitled to life 
and liberty are not the subject of property to men entitled to 
life and liberty. Equals are not the subject of property to 
equals. The Constitution of the United States was never in- 
tended to establish or sustain, and does not now sustain, this 

[8] 



1^58] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

peculiar relation or institution in any Territory of the United 
States. 

There is another serious aspect to this anti-Republican doc- 
trine of slavery under the Constitution. If the right to hold 
slaves existed in Kansas at the time of the passage of the Kansas 
act, under the common Constitution, it existed in Utah and New 
Mexico and Oregon and Washington and IMinnesota Territories. 
If the right to hold slaves exists under the Constitution of the 
United States independent of local law, the Constitution being 
the Supreme law of the land as it expressly declares, then every 
act prohibiting slavery in any of the Territories, the ordinance 
of 1787, and every law and Constitution of every free State, 
abolishing or prohibiting slavery, were and are unconstitutional, 
and the right of slaveholders to bring into Wisconsin their 
slaves and to hold them here as such, and to sustain the institu- 
tion of slavery here, now exists, and slave labor, forced upon 
us, is liable to come into competition with the free labor of our 
citizens. It is a question which rises far above all party con- 
siderations. The free people of Wisconsin will never consent 
to any such construction of the Federal Constitution. 

We owe to ourselves, and to the other free States, and to the 
spirit of our institutions, to record our solemn protest against 
it. Wisconsin was bom of Virginia when ideas of free govern- 
ment filled the minds of her great statesmen, and when Liberty 
was the theme of her Orators. The child has not forgotten the 
early taught lessons of the parent. ''There shall be neither 
slavery nor involuntary servitude in the State of Wisconsin 
otherwise than in the punishment of crime whereof the party 
shall have leen duly convicted."' 

The right to control, is a necessary incident to the power to 
acquire Territory. Congress has no power to establish slavery 
in the Territories, because it derives no power from the Con- 
stitution, and to establish slavery was not one of the purposes 
for which it was ordained and established. The Federal Gov- 



7 Constitution of Wisconsin, art. 1, sec. 2. — Ed. 

[9] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1^58- 

emment has no right to acquire Territory except for purposes 
consistent with the objects of our institutions. It has a right, 
and it is its duty to prohibit slavery in the Territories, because 
it has power to legislate over the Territories, and slavery is the 
antagonist of that Liberty, to secure the blessings of which the 
Constitution was ordained and established. 

The right of Congress to legislate for the territories has been 
conceded by every President, and sanctioned by every adminis- 
tration, from that of Washington down to that of President 
Pierce. It has been declared by the adjudication of the Su- 
preme Court of the United States. Every organic law, or- 
ganizing a Territorial Government, passed by Congress, is an 
act of legislation. The act of Congress, organizing a Territorial 
Government in Kansas, holds the same relation to that territory 
that a State Constitution does to the State. Congress can con- 
fer no power of legislation that' it does not itself possess, and 
every act of legislation by Congress establishing an organic law 
is legislation for the territory, and for the people of the terri- 
tory ; is legislation over the territory and over the people of the 
territory, affecting the rights and privileges and institutions of 
the people of the territory. It is the duty of Congress to exer- 
cise that power of legislation over the Territories in order to 
prevent the aggressions of an enemy to the common liberty 
which the people have, under the Constitution, a right to enjoy. 
To a certain extent, the people have a right to regulate their own 
Institutions in their own way. But the people have no right 
to do wrong. The majority of the people have no right to op- 
press the minority. Constitutions are adopted and laws made 
with a view to protect the rights of minorities against the ex- 
cesses of majorities, as well as to protect the rights of the ma- 
jority because of their intrinsic merits. Under a constitutional 
government, the power of the people is not unlimited. The 
people must be bound by the law, or there is the end of civil 
government. Our Government is not a pure democracy, where 
the will of the people necessarily becomes the law. Otherwise, 
if the majority determined upon a Limited Monarchy or ab- 

[10] 



1858] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

solute Despotism, without regard to constitutional safeguards, 
our Government might be changed to-morrow, and all our lib- 
erties overthrown. Under our present form of government, 
the people in every organized State, having regard to the bounds 
set to their action by the Constitution, and having in view the 
great objects of the Government, have a right to say through 
their legally chosen agents and representatives, by what kind of 
laws their lives and liberty and property shall be protected and 
preserved. 

This applies, not to the rights of the majority or of the minor- 
ity, but to the rights of the whole people. And when the ob- 
jects of the government are to protect and preserve the life 
and liberty and property of the whole people, the majority has 
no authority to so will or so order their rule as to take away the 
rights of the least and humblest individual in the State. The 
majority of the people have no right under our constitution, or 
under the Federal constitution, to declare as law that the minor- 
ity shall be slaves; and the fact that the majority should so 
declare would destroy the only really democratic element in 
the government, and would be a solemn mockery of every idea 
of Republicanism. It is the business, therefore, of Congress, 
wherever it has jurisdiction, to prevent by every constitutional 
means, the least attempt to establish an institution or a system 
of laws so opposed to all ideas of free government. 

The repeal of the Missouri Compromise was a great wrong 
done to the Free States, and no benefit to the Slave States. It 
opened the door to every species of fanaticism, and to wild ex- 
cesses from the criminality of v>'hich an age of good deeds and 
good government could bring no atonement, and the urgent ef- 
fort still made to force upon the people of Kansas a Constitu- 
tion to which a vast majority are notoriously opposed, against 
every principle of justice and constitutional obligation, is light- 
ing up there the flames of civil war, which may spread until 
the whole country shall become involved.^ It is not the busi- 



8 On conditions in Kansas see L. W. Spring, Kansas (Boston, 1885); 
and Rhodes, United States, ii, passim. — ^Ed. 

[II] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1858- 

ness of Congress to make state constitutions, or to force any 
state into the Union with a constitution odious to its people. 
The Constitution gives to Congress a discretionary power over 
the admission of new states. It may admit or it may refuse to^ 
admit. It is the duty of Congress to prevent the admission of 
any more Slave States into the Union. Slavery has spread far 
enough. It has diffused itself over more territory, and has^ 
now more power over the Federal Government than the Fathers 
ever intended or expected. It is the duty of every free State- 
to remonstrate against its further extension, and against the 
admission of any more Slave States. Congress has no right to ^ 
interfere with it in the Slave States, but should confine it just 
where it is, with all its blessings and all its woes, by great walls 
of law, supported by all the powers of the national government. 

Article 10 of the Constitution of the United States says: "The 
powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, 
nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States 
respectively, or the people." 

President Madison well said — "The powers delegated by the- 
Constitution to the Federal Government are few and defined. 
Those which are to remain in the State governments are numer- 
ous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on 
external objects, as war, peace, negotiations, and foreign com- 
merce, v/ith wh' ^,h last the power of taxation will for the most 
part be connected. The powers reserved to the several States, 
will extend to all the objects, which, in the ordinary course of 
affairs, concern the lives, liberties and properties of the people, 
and the internal order, improvement and prosperity of the- 
State.'"' 

The tendency of the action of the Federal Government, has 
been for many years, aided by the Federal Courts, to centraliza- 
tion, and to an absorption of a large share of the sovereignty of ' 
the States. It has trespassed upon the reserved rights of the 



9F C. Lodge (ed.), The Federalist (New York, 1889), no. 45,. 
p. 290.— Ed. 

[12] 



1858] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

States and of the people, assuming a jurisdiction over them, in 
the exercise of power never delegated. The Federal Govern- 
ment, so far as there is any sovereignty under our form of gov- 
•emment, is sovereign and independent in the exercise of its del- 
egated powers, and the States are sovereign and independent in 
the exercise of their reserved powers. The safety of the States 
in the exercise cf those powers in defence of the lives and prop- 
erties, and liberties of the people, demands a firm, deliberate op- 
position and resistance to any attempt at usurpation or aggres- 
sion by the Federal Government, its Courts, its officers or agents, 
upon the reserved rights of the States or the people. 

The laws of Wisconsin declare "It shall be the duty of the 
Governor, and of all the subordinate officers of the State to 
maintain and defend its sovereignty and jurisdiction. "^° The 
deliberate judgment of the highest judicial tribunal of the 
State as to the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the State, as to 
the resei*ved powers of the State and of the people, and as to 
the rights to liberty and property of its people, is the law, and 
must be sustained." Wisconsin is true to the Constitution. 
The people are loyal to the Constitution and to the Union. She 
will give to the Federal Government all its rights, to her sister 
States all their rights, and will insist upon her own. The peo- 
ple will never consent to disunion of the States. They will aid 
in bringing back every State that forgets its loyalty. They 
will not consent to speculate upon a contingency in which dis- 
union would be justifiable, or even excusable, but doing justice 
and demanding justice, they will continue to support the Con- 
stitution and the laws. 

Alexander W, Randall. 



10 Wis. Rev. Statutes, 1849, chap. 1, sec. 3. — Ed. 

ii/w re Sherman M. Booth, 3 Wis. 13; and in re Booth and Rycraft, 
3 Wis. 144; see also Ableman vs. Booth, 21 Howard 506, in which the 
U. S. Supreme Court reversed the decision of the "Wisconsin Supreme 
Court. For historical review, consult J. B. Winslow, Story of a Great 
Court (Chicago, 1912), pp. 70-81, 118.— Ed. 

[13] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1^59- 



1859. Twelfth Annual Legislative Session, January 12- 

March 21 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention 
on January 13, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in the course of which he made the following allusion to the 
slavery question: 

Gentle'men of the Senate and Assembly: 



SLAVERY 

My views, as expressed in my last message, in regard to the 
relative powers and duties of the Federal and State Govern- 
ments, and in regard to the power and duty of Congress to 
prohibit slavery in the Territories by positive enactment, and 
to prevent the admission of any more slave States into the 
Union, remain unchanged. They must be settled upon and 
sustained, as indicating the true policy of the Government, 
and as the only means by which the objects for which the Gov- 
ernment was formed can be successfully attained, and the rights 
and liberties of the people preserved. 

Alexander W. Randall. 



[14] 



i86o] ANNUAL MESSAGE 



1860, Thirteenth Annual Legislative Session, January 11- 

April 2 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention on 
January 12, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in the course of which he referred as follows to the status of the 
Wisconsin militia and the pending question of slavery: 

Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly: 



ADJUTANT GENERAL S REPORT 

The Eeport of the Adjutant General shows 55 volunteer mil- 
itary companies, embracing 2,365 rank and file. The returns of 
the enrolled militia show great neglect of duty by the assessors. 
From a large majority of the counties of the State no returns 
are made as provided by law. As this annual return is neces- 
sary, under a law of Congress, to insure the distribution of an 
annual quota of arms to the State, it is to be hoped that more 
care may hereafter be taken. 

Various interesting statistics relative to the volunteer militia 
will be found in the Report. 



SLAVERY 

New subjects of excitement connected with slavery and the 
slave trade are agitating the public mind. As a national ques- 
tion, that of slavery and slavery extension is foremost among 
the people. Slavery existed in the Colonies before the law, 
and before there were. any State Constitutions. It was forced 

[15] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [^860- 

into some of the States, as in the case of Virginia, against the 
will and remonstrances of colonial citizens. The slave trade 
was ,made a matter of complaint against the mother country. 
It was deemed of incalculable evil to the new settlements upon 
the wfestern continent. Existing, as slavery did, in all but one 
of the colonies, at the time of the formation of our present con- 
stitutional government, it was tolerated for the time being, with 
the idea that its existence would be, comparatively, but tempo- 
rary, and that it would die out, as an institution entirely incom- 
patible with the genius of the government, and with the great 
objects for which it was formed. While the increase of the 
number of slave states has not been correspondingly great, the 
increase of slavery and of the power of slavery in the govern- 
ment has been so great that the slave population in the slave 
states is now greater than the entire population of the colonies 
at the time of our revolutionary controversy with Great Brit- 
ain,^- and the whole machinery of the federal government is 
blocked up by its exactions. The compact made at the time of 
the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, that sla- 
very should be tolerated, and that "persons held to service 
should be delivered up on claim of the party to whom service 
was due"^^ has not been satisfactory to the slaveholding States. 
New demands have been constantly made upon the consciences 
of the people of the non-slaveholding States, until serious diffi- 
culties have arisen between the two sections of the Union. 
There is no right of interference with slavery in the Slave 
States by legislation in the Free States, tending to its abolition, 
or by citizens of the Free States through a violent intervention. 
But the government was formed for the declared purpose of 
"preserving the blessings of Liberty," among other things, and 
not for the purpose of extending slavery. The colonies which 
so urgently denounced the evils of the institution and so strongly 



^''The population of the United States in 1790 was 3,929,214; the 
slave population in 1860 was 3,953,760. — Ed. 
13 U. S. Constitution, art, 4, sec. 2. — Ed. 

[16] 



iS6o] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

complained of the slave trade, now, erected into states, seek to 
force upon free territories the evils of a system they then de- 
plored, by planting slavery where the Fathers of the Republic 
never intended it should go. Time after time compromises have 
been entered into, connected with and growing out of the ex- 
istence of slaver}^, and time after time, at the demands of slavery, 
they have been broken down. Its exactions are intolerable. 
While there is no right of interference with slavery where it 
exists in the slave states, by free state legislation, and while 
there is no effort at interference with it by forcible means by 
citizens of the free states, with a few individual exceptions, the 
free states have a right to insist, and it is their duty to insist, 
that it shall be no farther extended. The fact that the Terri- 
tories are the common property of the people of all the states 
carries with it no right to establish slavery there. The fact 
that men are held as slaves in slave states gives no right to 
carry them as slaves into territories, simply because they are 
counted as property in the slave states. The fact that slaves 
are called property, gives no right of property in them. Men 
are not recognized by the civilized world as common subjects 
of property. Tkey cannot be placed in the same category as 
chattels, and things and estates, which are universally conceded 
to be subjects of ownership. Slavery in the Territories, there- 
fore, would be without law and above the law, a mere creature 
of force, subject to all the contingencies of a violent existence. 
An institution so inhuman, so pernicious in its character, so 
disastrous to the interests of free labor, and terrible in its con- 
sequences to the bondmen, and so antagonistic to the great prin- 
ciples of human liberty that underlie our government, ought, 
by the exercise of every legitimate power, to be restrained from 
any further extension. The new and fearful doctrine, that 
under the Constitution of the United States, slavery goes trav- 
eling into the Free Territories of the United States, and is there 
to be protected under its broad shield, without any local law on 
the subject in the Territories, is unworthy of the age in which 
we live, or of the statesmen to whose hands are entrusted the 

2 [17] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1^60- 

interests of this great people. It is no subject of congratulation 
that in this theoretically free government an effort has been 
made, and is still persisted in, to establish the "right of every 
citizen to take his property of every kind, including slaves, 
into Territories, and have it protected there under the Con- 
stitution." The idea that "neither Congress nor a Territorial 
Legislature, nor any human power, has any authority to annul 
or impair this vested right," is the most unwarranted of any 
ever conceived since the Federal Government had an existence. 
No good citizen can give assent to it. No honest, enlightened 
statesman should countenance it for a moment. It is not true. 
There must be a power over slavery somewhere. It is not above 
the law or out of the reach of the law. 

If Congress cannot prevent its extension, where does it get 
the power to authorize a convention to form a State Constitution 
prohibiting it? If a Territorial Legislature cannot prohibit it, 
how can it provide for the election of delegates to a Constitu- 
tional Convention, with power to make a free Constitution? It 
would then be unconstitutional to declare in a State Constitu- 
tion, formed over a Territorj^, that there should be no slavery 
there. A Constitutional Convention, sitting to make a State 
Constitution, is a "human power." Is it true that slavery 
overrides every other great interest? That the assumed right 
of property in man is so old and enduring that, touched by the 
indurating hand of time, it can harden into a right absolute, be- 
yond the reach of any interference but that of Omnipotence? 
Have we such a government that there is no power but that of 
Almighty God that dares to touch it? If so, this great nation 
must bend its neck to the yoke, and slavery become universal, 
and, in a government ordained by the people to preserve the 
blessings of Liberty, humanity must "give signs of woe that 
Liberty is lost." The fact that Congress has the power to pro- 
hibit slavery in the Territories, however much that doctrine 
may be opposed from motives of interest or ambition, notwith- 
standing the great weight that has been thrown into the scale 

[18] 



i86o] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

against it,^"* is as certain as that the government has power to 
acquire territory at all. That it cannot control what it has 
power to acquire by treaty, by conquest, or by purchase, is 
absurd. This power should be exercised, and the way of slav- 
ery extension walled up forever. The slave States have no 
reason to complain of this. They must be left unmolested in 
the enjoyment of the blessings of that peculiar institution, if 
there are any blessings connected with it, in the slave States, 
so long as the government remains. While this is conceded, 
the right to impose it upon new territories cannot be admitted, 
and its extension must be prevented, not by inroads upon the 
slave States themselves, with violence and in blood, but by 
legitimate constitutional legislation, sustained by the power of 
the government itself. 

It cannot be conceded that the black race has no business 
upon the earth. We can have no controversy with the Great 
God over any supposed error in the location or distribution of 
races. There is a diversity of races. Intellect is confined to 
no race, while there is great inequality in intellectual develop- 
ment. So far as the great rights of life, liberty, and the pur- 
suit of happiness are concerned, it is enough to know that they 
belong to manhood. With the wisdom which has distinguished 
the different races of men by marked physical and intellectual 
features, we can have no dispute. But we can learn, and we 
do learn, from this very diversity, that each race belongs to 
itself alone, and that there can be no social contact or assimi- 
lation but would carry with them untold disasters. 

There are other evils connected with this subject. While the 
African slave trade is made piracy by law, and is so condemned 
by the whole civilized world, deliberate attempts are constantly 
made to re-open it, and in frequent instances cargoes of slaves, 
fresh from Africa, have been landed upon our southern coasts, 
and the chattels scattered though the country, marketed for 



14 The U. S. Supreme Court declared in the Dred Scott decision that 
Ck)ngress had no power to prohibit slavery in the territories. — Ed. 

[19] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL fi86(>- 

service upon southern plantations. This evil is more grave 
from the fact that it receives countenance from leading south- 
ern statesmen, and is openly proclaimed as a policy designed 
to be reinstated.^" 

Again: In some of the slaveholding States, laws have been 
passed authorizing the sale of free blacks into slavery, and the 
confiscation of their property, in case they remain there after 
a given time mentioned in the law. The laws which prohibit 
the ingress of free blacks surrounding these States, render de- 
plorable indeed the condition of that unfortunate race of men, 
and are a sad commentary upon the Christianity and Civiliza- 
tion of the age, in a land boasting of its freedom.^® The exten- 
sion of an institution of this character, so fraught with calami- 
ties to both the white and black races, into free territories, mul- 
tiplying the elements and means of oppression and wrong, 
ought not to be encouraged or countenanced either by the citi- 
zens of the Southern or Northern States. 

Free labor languishes and becomes degrading when put 'In 
competition with slave labor; and idleness, poverty and vice, 
among large classes of non-slaveholders, take the place of in- 
dustry, and thrift, and virtue. It prevents a general system 
of popular education, and ignorance abounds in the places 
where knowledge should be the brightest ornament of intellect. 

The increase of the blacks in warm climates is far more rapid 
than that of the whites. Already in some of the slave States 
the slaves outnumber the free whites.^" Twenty-five years 
from the present time, the ordinary ratio of increase will give 



15 Act of Congress, May 15, 1820. Cf. Rhodes, United States, ii, in- 
dex under "slave trade." See also a resolution from the legislature of 
New York to the legislatures of the other States, protesting against 
the reopening of the slave trade; Wis. Sen. Jour., 1860, p. 249. — Ed. 

==«See ante, p. 13, note 10.— Ed. 

16 Consult codes and revised statutes of Southern States in last 
editions before 1861.— ED. 

17 Mississippi and South Carolina. — Eb. 

[20] 



i86o] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

a slave population in the slave-holding States of nearly ten 
millions, at least equaling, if not superior in numbers to the 
free white citizens.^^ Looking to a future in the history of 
States beyond that, we may well enquire what will be the con- 
dition of the Southern States and of the whole country at the 
end of fifty years. What can be done with twenty millions of 
slaves, without education, without fixed moral principles, the 
subjects of whim, caprice, passion; knowing no law but the 
law of force, submitting to no power but the power of force; 
smarting under real or imaginary injuries; deeming themselves 
oppressed and looking every day upon their supposed oppress- 
ors; more restrained of their liberty through the fears of the 
masters, and subject to more rigid police surveillance, and 
more extreme exactions, because of multiplied dangers? What 
could control the wild passions of that overv^^helming physical 
power, once aroused? So terrible a wrath, with so resistless a 
force, would almost inevitably lead to a war of races, more 
cruel, destructive, bloodthirsty, than the world ever saw before, 
beginning with conflict and ending with butchery. In such a 
war, one or the other of the two races must be destroyed. In 
such a contest, where would the victory be? To precisely such 
a result are we tending to-day. Deny it as we may, the physical 
laws of the races, and the climatic influences, are driving us 
right onward tov/ards such a future. The sagacious statesman, 
gathering wisdom from the history of living as well as of the 
dead nations, looking forward to a probable future as he looks 
back at an actual past, and seeing danger to his country and 
institutions afar off, should devise some means of protection 
commensurate with the apprehended danger, by which such 
calamities may be avoided. 

It has been well said that "it is the true mission of a superior 
and enlightened race to protect and establish with well founded 



18 In 1890 the U. S. census gave the total negro population of the 
United States as 7,488,676, and the total white population of the South 
Atlantic and South Central states as 13,193,453.— Ed. 

[21] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1860- 

institutions the feebler races within its influence. The general 
welfare requires this, and renders it the exalted duty of power- 
ful nations. England, France and Russia, though subject to 
selfish monarchies, yet feel the impulse of this enlightened age ; 
and we see the Czar giving freedom and rights to his sixty 
millions of serfs, and spreading civilization over all the North 
of Europe and Asia." England and France hold up besotted 
Turkey, and are endeavoring to instill life again by imparting 
freedom and toleration to the masses. England extends her 
principles of representative government, in greater or less de- 
gree, to her dependencies; and France, propagating her power 
in Africa and Asia, carries with it the refinement, intelligence 
and skill which may at some time elevate the people she civ- 
ilizes in the scale of nations. 

"Shall the mighty States of this hemisphere — the pioneers 
of the liberal principle of the greatest good to the greatest 
number — ^be known to the red and black races, struggling into 
existence, under liberal forms of government, in neighboring 
climes, suited to their caste, only as depredators and enslavers? 
They seem to have been committed to our guardianship by the 
gracious Providence that has conferred so many blessings upon 
us in the achievement of our own liberties. Shall we abuse the 
power thus conferred by establishing bondage as the law for 
all whom we can master?" 

A remedy for these anticipated evils, and a solution of this 
whole slavery problem may be found in the suggestions of our 
early statesmen while they were casting about for this pur- 
pose, impressed as they were that the relation of master and 
slave was to be tolerated for the time and ultimately to die out. 

It can be found by simply providing for the peaceful emi- 
gration from all the States of this Union, of all the free colored 
persons of African descent, who may desire to emigrate, to 
some place in Central or South America, in some of the States 

19 Alexander III, who came to the throne in 1855, by a series of acts 
and measures emancipated the Russian serfs. — Ed. 

[22] 



i86o] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

of the tropical regions, in which rights may be acquired by 
treaty by the United States, for that purpose, and for their 
benefit. It is simply that these people may go and mingle with 
the population already existing in those States (and a large 
portion of the people there is of the colored race), where color 
is no degradation, and where they may mingle freely together, 
with all the rights of settlement and citizenship, and form 
themselves into colonies.-" 

In speaking upon this proposed measure, Mr. Jefferson said: 
*'It was, however, found that the public mind would not yet 
bear the proposition; yet the day is not far distant when it 
must bear it, and adopt it, or worse will follow. Nothing is 
more certainly written in the book of fate, than that these 
people (the negroes) are to be free; nor is it less certain that the 
two races, equally free, cannot live in the same government. 
Nature, habit, opinion, have drawn indelible lines of distinction 
between them. It is still in our power to direct the process of 
emancipation and deportation, and in such slow degree that the 
evil will wear off insensibly, and their place be pari passu filled 
up by free white laborers. If, on the contrary, it is left to force 
itself on, human nature must shudder at the prospect held up. 
We should in vain look for an example in the Spanish deporta- 
tion or deletion of the Moors. "^^ 

In a letter to Mr. Coles, Mr. Jefferson thus warns his friends 
in the South: ''Yet the hour of emancipation is advancing in 
the march of time. It ivill come; and whether brought on by 
the generous energies of our own friends, or by the bloody proc- 



20 Colonization projects appeared at an early date. The American 
Colonization Society was founded in 1816. Liberia was colonized in 
1822. There were other projects for colonization in Texas a.nd Haiti. 
The idea was favored in the South, especially for free blacks, as "Vfell 
as in the North, and received aid from the United States government 
and from state governments. — Ed. 

21 Written in 1821. See B. L. Rayner, Sketches of Life and "Writings 
of Thomas Jefferson (New York, 1832), p. 164. — Ed. 

[23] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL ti86o- 

ess of St. Domingo * '* * is a leaf of our history not 
yet turned over."^^ 

In his letter to Mr. Sparks, he says: "The second object, and 
most interesting to us, as coming home to our physical and 
moral characters, to our happiness and safety, is to provide an 
asylum to which we can, by degrees, send the whole of that 
population from among us, and establish them under our 
patronage and protection, as a separate, free and independent 
people, in some country and climate friendly to human life and 
happiness. "^^ 

In consideration of the commercial advantages of a free trade 
with such colonies, the United States could well make all neces- 
sary and proper engagements to maintain them in the enjoy- 
ment of the rights and privileges, acquired by a treaty made 
for the purpose of establishing them there. Here this govern- 
ment can do something worthy of a great nation. A way of 
escape would be offered to the free blacks from renewed bond- 
age. Inducements would be held out to philanthropic men to 
emancipate their slaves; the northern slave States, following 
the lead of the free States could quietly and gradually intro- 
duce free labor in the place of slave labor, thus adding to their 
wealth and honor; the great evils to be apprehended from an 
over-crowded slave population would be avoided, and liberty 
prevail throughout a land universally prosperous, and under 
the sole dominion of the white race. The commerce of these 
colonies, increasing with their age and civilization, would add 
to our accumulating wealth and prosperity, and the wrongs of 
ages of oppression be blotted out from the book of remembrance 
forever. To this it must come sooner or later, and delay only 
increases the difficulties surrounding us. 

To lead in invoking the attention of the whole people to this 
great enterprise would well become the vigorous young States 



22 p. L. Ford (ed.). Writings of Thomas Jefferson (New York, 1892), 
ix, p. 478. — Ed. 

23 Id, X, p. 290.— Ed. 

[24] 



i860] annual message 

of 1;lie Northwestern Territory, which have grown up under the 
shadow of the tree of liberty planted by Virginia. 

A memorial to Congress on this subject is seriously recom- 
mended.-* 

Peaceable and legal remedies alone can relieve us of slavery 
extension and slavery agitation. 

The provoking riots at Harper's Ferry, which were dignified 
into treason against the Government of the State of Virginia, 
were the fit offspring of the forcible attempt to plant Slavery 
in Kansas and the legitimate fruits of the repeal of the Missouri 
Compromise. 

Hov.-ever much vre may admire brave men and heroic deeds, 
w^e can find in them no excuse for attempts by force to undo 
domestic evils under a government like ours. The theory of 
our government is, that it is one of law, not of force. There 
are peaceful and legal remedies by which wrongs may be re- 
dressed. Justice for the sins of nations, as for the sins of in- 
dividuals, though sometimes apparently slow, is always sure as 
the execution of Divine Judgments. While we remain a gov- 
ernment of banded States, good faith requires that no State, 
and the citizens of no State, shall interfere with the institu- 
tions of any other State. While Wisconsin will suffer no hostile 
invasion from any other State or the citizens thereof, so it 
must repress any hostile attempts upon the institutions of its 
sister States. The occasion of the difficulties at Harper's Ferry 
was signalized by crimes committed both by invaders and in- 
vaded. No matter how philanthropic or humane the motives of 
misguided men may have been, they committed wrongs in the 
eye of the law which cannot by good citizens be palliated or 
excused.-^ 



24 No such memorial was introduced. — Ed. 

25 The reference is to John Brown's capture of the United States 
arsenal at Harper's Ferry on Oct. 16, 1859. For detailed account see 
F. E. Chadwick, Causes of the Civil War (American Nation series. 
New York, 1906), index; also Rhodes, United States, ii, index. — Ed. 

[25] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1860- 

The disunion sentiments avowed in portions of the country, 
and sometimes in our Halls of National Legislation, are un- 
patriotic, undignified, disgraceful. Every threat of disunion 
should be held up to public reprobation in all sections of the 
Union, and every attempt at disunion rewarded with a halter. 
The Union of these states cannot be dissolved. It may be 
rocked, but cannot be overturned. — There is no conceivable 
contingency in which it can be consented to. A disruption, 
instead of relieving us from present evils, would involve all 
sections in far greater evils. While the North asks nothing that 
is wrong, it will submit to no wrong, but will seek its remedy 
in wholesome laws, wisely enacted and firmly executed. If any 
state forgets its allegiance, it must be brought back. The South 
is entitled to be left unmolested in her domestic relations and 
institutions, and must be content with that; while both sections 
of the Union, striving to do exact justice to each other, may yet 
be relieved from all jealousies and heartburnings, and escape 
the derision of the nations of the earth. 

*' Faith without works is dead." Labor, and vigilance, and 
honesty of purpose, devoted to the welfare of the State, and of 
the common country, with an earnest desire for the prosperity 
and happiness of the whole people, will dispel all the darkness 
that envelopes us, and restore the hopes of permanent prosper- 
ity. With a just pride we may then look, in the past, upon 
the budding, opening glory of Young America as she was, and, 
in the present, upon her rich ripeness as she is. 

Alex. W. Randall. 

Madison, Jan. 12, 1860. 



[26] 



i86o] INADEQUATE MILITIA LAWS 



A SPECIAL MESSAGE 

was sent to the Legislature by the Governor, on March 7, 1860, 

as follows : 

Madison, Wis., March 7, 1860. 

To the Honorable the Legislature: 

On two occasions in my messages I have called the attention 
of the Legislature to the inadequacy of the militia laws of the 
State. The law declares that "it shall be the duty of the Gov- 
ernor, and of all the subordinate officers of the State, to main- 
tain and defend its sovereignty and jurisdiction. "^^ 

The Constitution makes it the duty of the Governor to "take 
care that the laws be faithfully executed." 

The Governor is made, by the Constitution, "commander-in- 
chief of the military and naval powers of the State. "-^ 

Section 4, of chapter 31, of the Revised Statutes reads — "The 
Governor shall be commander-in-chief of the militia of this 
State, except ivhen called into the service of the United States," 
etc.28 

Either the constitution of the State is wrong, or the statute 
is wrong. They materially disagree. While the constitution 
makes the Governor Commander-in-Chief of the militia, the 
Legislature must direct how the militia is to be used, and fur- 
nish the means for support while in service. Under the militia 
laws of this State, the power of the Executive over the militia 
is confined mostly to making and unmaking military officers 
and organizations, and to suppressing riots. The entire mili- 
tary organization is wholly inefficient, and the authority of the 
Executive wholly inadequate to meet any contingency where 
the rights, or jurisdiction, or sovereignty of the State are im- 
posed upon by usurpation for aggression from without, or 



26See ante, p. 13, note 10.— Ed. 

2T Both quotations are from art. 5, sec, 4. — Ed. 

28 Wis. Rev. Statutes, 1858.— Ed. 

[27] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [i86c>- 

where they are likely to suffer from insurrection or rebellion 
from within. Expenses incurred in the use of a military force 
must be paid, as they are incurred. I shall undertake to do, 
in all cases, and without regard to consequences, whatever the 
Legislature may or shall constitutionally authorize or require, 
to the full extent of the power conferred and means furnished 
for the performance of public duties. 

I deem it my duty to again call the attention of the Legis- 
lature to this subject, because of the radical defects in our 
Militia Laws.^^ 

Alex. W, Randall. 



29 The committee on militia, to which the message was referred in 
the Senate, brought in minority and majority reports; see Wis. Ben... 
Jour., 1860, pp. 733-734, 787-789. A similar committee of the Assembly 
brought in a report on March 13, which was, however, on the next day 
ordered expunged, as being the report not of the committee but of 
the minority thereof; Assevi. Jour., 1860, pp. 682, 701. — Ed. 



[28 



i86i] ANNUAL MESSAGE 



1861. Fourteenth Annual Legislative Session, January 9- 

April 17 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention 
•on January 10, and the Governor read thereto in persou his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

which contained the following references to the impending 
national crisis: 

Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly: 



ADJUTANT GENERAL S REPORT 

The annual report of the Adjutant General, shows that fifty- 
two uniformed volunteer companies are organized and armed, 
and in various states of efficiency, numbering 1,992 rank and 
file. Besides these companies, twelve others, in different por-. 
tions of the State, have applied for organization and equip- 
ment. Should the last mentioned companies be regularly 
equipped with the legal number of arms, the total number 
would be 2,473. But the State has not the means to arm more 
than three or four of the companies applying, and the annual 
quota, to which the State is entitled under the practice of the 
Federal Government of late years, will only give us sufficient 
for about three companies more.'° 

Efforts have been made during the past year, by the Adju- 
tant General, to bring the uniformed militia up to a standard 
Tof greater efficiency, and with some degree of success; but the 



30 At this time the Federal government distributed arms among the 
States in proportion to their number of senators and representatives 
In Congress. — Ed, 

[29] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

fact is nevertheless apparent that the organization of military 
companies has been too often the result of the desire of locali- 
ties to obtain the means of making a display on anniversary oc- 
casions, and when the arms have been obtained from the State, 
the object of the organization is too often deemed accomplished, 
and the company seldom meets for drill thereafter; the men 
resign after a time, and the company maintains but a nominal 
existence. It is for the Legislature to consider whether this 
state of things ought to continue, and whether there is any- 
thing in the signs of the times which should cause steps to be 
taken to place the Volunteer Militia upon a more efficient foot- 
ing. The number of persons subject to military duty in the 
State exceeds 130,000. 



SPECIAL PREMIUMS 

In view of the probable difficulties which may embroil the 
States of the Union, but more especially with a purpose of de- 
veloping new agricultural products, and rendering our citizens 
more nearly independent by reason of their home productions, 
I have deemed it proper to call the especial attention of the 
Legislature to the propriety of special premiums on one or two 
products, from whose diffusion important and valuable results 
may be anticipated. 

The annual expenditure of the people of the State, for sup- 
plies of sugars and syrups, reaches beyond a million of dollars. 
Experience has already demonstrated that the recently-acquired 
Imphee, Sorghum", or Chinese Sugar Cane plants, may become 
acclimated, and open a wide field for the enterprise of agri- 
culturists. Thus far, the cultivation has only been experimen- 
tal, and on too limited a scale to be regarded as a fair test. 
But these experiments, made generally in connection with other 
pressing labors distracting the attention, with limited means 
and inadequate apparatus, have afforded very satisfactory re- 
sults. They seem to render it certain, that every acre of good 
cane will produce from one hundred and fifty to three hun- 

[30] 



i86i] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

dred gallons of syrup, equal in quality to any imported, and 
that the manufacture of sugar is also an attainable end, at but 
moderate cost. 

It is difficult to induce agriculturists, engaged in the common 
farm pursuits, to devote their attention to a new crop on a 
sufficiently large scale, and incur the necessary outlay of cap- 
ital required, without some special inducement. I suggest, 
therefore, whether it is not a matter of sufficient importance to 
the State to offer for one or two years, under suitable restric- 
tions, liberal premiums or rewards to the producer of the great- 
est amount of cane, and the largest yield of sugar and syrup 
of approved quality. Ten premiums could be so graduated as 
to call for a sum not exceeding $3,500 in the aggregate, making 
the highest one thousand and the lowest one hundred, and 
would, in my opinion, invite a lively competition, from which 
the State, in time, would reap very essential benefits. 

The cultivation of flax, also, is a branch of agriculture en- 
titled to special encouragement. Eeeent scientific discoveries 
have rendered it probable that a material can be fabricated 
from this plant under certain chemical processes, similar but 
much superior to cotton, and at a cost, not much, if any greater. 
If these results should be realized, the cultivation of the crop 
in increased quantities will prove highly important in an eco- 
nomic point of view, and would add one step more towards 
freeing us from dependence on foreign States for articles of 
indispensable necessity. ^^ 



31 Chinese and African sugar cane were introduced into Wisconsin 
by the State Agricultural Society in 1857. Statistics collected by the 
Society in 1860 showed 314 acres under cultivation, 51,085 gallons of 
molasses made, and 3,493 pounds of sugar; Wis. State Agr. Soc, Tran- 
sactions (Madison, 1860), p. 56. During the decade from 1900 to 1910, 
Wisconsin stood first among the non-irrigated states in the Union In 
the production of sugar beets, and first among all the states in the 
production of flax. — Ed. 



[31] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL t^S^i- 



MILITARY ORGANIZATION 

I have before called the attention of the Legislature to the 
necessity of some further legislation to aid in a more efficient 
organization of the militia of the State. While there is a mere 
skeleton of an organization, no efficient use can be made of it to 
suppress insurrection or rebellion from within, or to prevent 
aggressions from abroad. The militia may be used, under the 
direction of the Executive, to sustain the civil arm of the Gov- 
ernment, and to aid in the execution of the laws. The laws are 
to be executed only in the manner directed by the laws them- 
selves, and the military forces can only be used to aid the of- 
ficers of the law in executing the process of a court, when ob- 
structions are placed in the way, and in suppressing riots. No 
provision whatever has ever been made to meet the expenses 
which would necessarily be incurred in the use of a military 
force, for any purpose whatever. While, therefore, it is the 
duty of the Executive to see that the laws are faithfully ex- 
ecuted, he is left comparatively powerless — called upon to exe- 
cute without means of execution. The signs of the times in- 
dicate that there may arise a contingency in the condition of 
the Government, when it will become necessary to respond to a 
call of the National Government for men and means to main- 
tain the integrity of the Union, and to thwart the designs of 
men engaged in an organized treason. While no unnecessary 
expense should be incurred, yet it is the part of wisdom, both 
for individuals and States, in revolutionary times, to be pre- 
pared to defend our institutions to the last extremity. I com- 
mend this subject to your wisdom and discretion. 

SLAVERY, DISUNION, ETC. 

By the original articles of Confederation, the States of New 
Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island and Providence 
Plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Delaware, INIaryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 

[32] 



^^^] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

and Georgia, severally entered into "a. firm league of friend- 
ship with each other for their common defence, the security of 
their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare ; ' ' binding 
themselves to assist each other "against all force offered to, or 
attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, 
sovereignty, trade, or any other pretence whatever." Bach 
State retained its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and 
every power, jurisdiction, and right which was not by the Con- 
federation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress 
assembled. 

This was a league of the States, and not a government of the 
people of the United States. 

Experience soon proved that while in some respects that 
species of government answered the purpose for which it was 
created yet the diversity of local and sectional interests, and 
the claims of the several States themselves, to the right to exer- 
cise powers not too well defined, and the differences gradually 
growing up between the several States, from a variety of 
causes, showed the necessity of a form of government widely 
different in principle, which should acquire and maintain a 
larger degree of permanent strength and efficiency, by making 
the people themselves, instead of the several States, directly 
parties to it. 

The Confederation was a league of friendship between the 
States, having in view, as declared, the common defense of the 
States; the security of the liberty of the States, the mutual 
general welfare of the States; as they bound themselves, each 
separately speaking for itself and not for the people, to assist 
each other against all force offered to, or attacks made upon 
them on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other 
pretence whatever. The technical obligation was that the Con- 
federation should make common cause in defending any State; 
in securing the liberty of any State, and its general welfare; 
that the States assist each other against all force offered, not to 
the people, but to the State ; against all attacks made upon the 
States, and not against attacks made upon the people, on ac- 
3 \33] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

count of religion, sovereignty of the States — not sovereignty of 
the people ; trade of the States — not attacks upon the trade of 
the people. The league was, in other words, to protect the 
States in the enjoym'ent of their rights as such, and to protect 
State sovereignty, so far as the States were sovereign, without 
regard to the rights of the people themselves, which were solely 
to be determined, except in a few enumerated cases, by the 
government of the several States themselves. It was a com- 
pact between several sovereign powers, virtually distinct from 
each other, made for certain specified purposes, and to aid 
each other in the exercise of their several prerogatives as in- 
dependent States. The people, strictly, did not make it. 

The statesmen of that day, satisfied that that species of gov- 
ernment must ultimately prove a failure to a very great degree, 
devised a new system, which, while it retained a few of the 
features of the Confederation, so far as the limited independ- 
ence of the States was concerned, was materially different, par- 
ticularly in that the people themselves,. as a people, instead of 
States, became parties to it. A league of States was turned 
into a government of the people. It was necessarily made to 
embrace a great variety of particulars, in order to accommodate 
the interests, or opinions of interests, of the States whose several 
peoples became parties to it, and it involved the necessity of a 
spirit of accommodation to the reasonable expectations of the 
people, and of moulding and arranging the particulars which 
composed the whole in a manner to satisfy, so far as possible, 
all the parties to it. It was made, not for the benefit of any 
State; to gratify any whim, caprice, or passion; to pander to 
any local influence, or to protect or foster any local interest. 

In the one case, the States made the articles of confederation 
for the States themselves. In the other case, the people of the 
United States ordained and established our present Constitu- 
tion, ''for the United States of America." 

In the one case, the States entered into a league of friend- 
ship with each other, for their common defense, the security 
of their liberties, their mutual and general welfare; binding 

[34] 



iS6i] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

themselves to assist each other against all force offered to or 
attacks made upon them, etc. 

In the other case, ' ' The people of the United States, in order 
to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domes- 
tic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the 
general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to them- 
selves and their posterity, ordained and established this Con- 
stitution, for the United States of America." 

Here are the different purposes avowed in the organization 
of the two systems of government. One looking particularly 
to the benefit and interest of the States, and the other more to 
the protection of the rights of the people. Under the new sys- 
tem, the people delegated certain powers, by the Constitution, 
particularly enumerated to be solely exercised by the General 
Government of the United States. At the same time they de- 
clare that "the enumeration in the Constitution of certain 
rights, should not be construed to deny or disparage others 
retained by the people;" also that ''the powers not delegated 
to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it, 
to the States, are reserved to the States respectively or to the 
people." 

Here are absolute grants and positive reservations, with the 
clear declaration that by the enumeration of certain rights in 
the Constitution conferred upon a General Government, there 
should be no construction that they denied or disparaged any 
of the rights not enumerated, but retained by them. While 
they give up certain rights and conferred or delegated certain 
powers, they did not give up all, nor did they in set terms 
reserve all that were reserved, but in their delegation and re- 
servation assumed that there were other rights than those 
enumerated, which were not to be denied or disparaged, the 
same being retained by the people themselves. So the powers 
held, and to be exercised, by what we call the General Govern- 
ment are only those expressly delegated, or such implied pow- 
ers as become absolutely necessary to be used in the exercise of 
delegated powers. The government takes nothing but what 

[ 35 ] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

the Constitution gives it and the States respectively, and the 
people part with nothing — lose nothing — but what they have in 
express terms given away. The United States are sovereign 
and independent in the exercise of delegated powers, and the 
States and the people sovereign and independent in the exer- 
cise of all reserved and non-enumerated powers of government. 
The government of each State belongs to the people of that State. 
The government of the United States belongs to the people of 
the United States. The people of each State may mould and 
control the civil and political institutions pertaining peculiarly 
to itself, and so long as they do not act in conflict with the Con- 
stitution of the United States, may change their system as they 
please, without consulting the General Government. The peo- 
ple of the United States alone can change the character of the 
General Government. The General Government cannot change 
the character of a State Government, or usurp or exercise any 
power over it not delegated, nor can any State, or the people 
of any one State, change the character of the United States 
Government, abridge its powers or add anything to them; re- 
strict or increase its jurisdiction or authority, impair any of 
its rights, violate its constitutional laws, or disturb its integrity 
and wholeness. 

Each State has the power, within its own jurisdiction, as it 
is its duty, to protect the rights of persons and property of its 
citizens; and the citizen of any one State, sojourning in any 
other State, as a citizen of the United States, has a right to be 
protected in his person by the government of the United States, 
in the exercise and enjoyment of all the privileges and immuni- 
ties which belong to him under the Constitution, which is the 
common charter and shield of the whole people. 

The government cf the United States is Federal in a limited 
sense, so far as in the exercise of its powers it operates upon the 
political bodies called States, in their political capacity. But 
so far as it operates upon the people in their individual capa- 
cities, in its ordinary and essential proceedings, it is purely 
National, though limited in its jurisdiction. The governments 

[36] 



i86i] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

both of the several States and the United States, are inviolable 
within their distinct spheres. The people act, make and un- 
make constitutions and laws, by processes known only to the 
Constitution of the several States or the United States. The 
government is one of law and not of force, and there is no 
revolutionary element in its character. The Constitution tells 
us how it may be changed, and tells us the only peaceable mode 
of changing it. It tells us how boundaries and territorial jur- 
isdiction may be extended and enlarged. It gives power to 
Congress to admit new States, but up power to turn one out. 
By virtue of its complete sovereignty and independence as 
against all the other nations of the earth, and as a power neces- 
sarily incident to government, it may acquire new territory by 
treaty, by conquest or by purchase. It has power in itself to 
strengthen and confirm the government, making it greater, rich- 
er, stronger; but no where in it is found a delegated power ta 
aid in breaking in pieces the Union, or to suffer it to be broken. 
When the Government was made it was intended to be per- 
petual, and no plah'cr device was suggested or conceived where- 
by it could be destroyed. Mr. Madison concisely stated the del- 
egated, and some of the reserved, powers of the National and 
State governments. "The powers delegated in the Constitu- 
tion to the Government are few and defined. Those which re- 
main in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. 
The former will be exercised principally on external objects, 
as war, peace, negotiations and foreign commerce ; with which 
last the power of taxation will, for the most part, be connected. 
The powers reserved to the several states will extend to all the 
objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the 
lives, liberties and properties of the people; and the internal 
order, improvement, and prosperity of the State. The opera- 
tions of the Federal Government will be most extensive and 
important in times of war and danger; those of the State gov- 
ernments in times of peace and security. "^^ In the exercise 



32 From The Federalist, no. 45, p. 290. — Ed. 

[37] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL 



i«()i- 



of the various powers by these different governments, great care 
and prudence must ever be exercised. The reserved rights of 
the States are not to be imposed upon or impaired by usurpa- 
tions of the National Government, or any of its departments, 
nor is a single delegated power to be restricted or opposed in 
its exercise. The General Government is to look to the general 
welfare, and to the integritj^ and perpetuity of the Union for 
the great purposes for which it was established; while the 
States must take care of the lives and liberties and properties 
of the people, and the internal order, improvement and pros- 
perity of the State. 

This Government, so artfully conceived and skillfully formed, 
with its legislative, judicial and executive departments, as be- 
tween State and National, claiming of right, a double allegi- 
ance^ — an allegiance not inconsistent or antagonistic — compli- 
cated yet simple, is today involved in strange difficulties, and 
perhaps dangers. For three score years the States multiplied 
and waxed strong; the nation grew great and rich, beloved at 
home, and respected and feared abroad. The citizens of the 
United States, in any part of the civilized w^orld, had but to 
declare their country, and nations respected their rights. To- 
day, citizens of independent States and of the United States, 
within the national jurisdiction, upon American soil, are mob- 
bed and hung upon the next tree, for the mere expression of 
opinion upon questions both of radical principle and of public 
policy and sometimes for even refusing to express an opinion — 
silence being construed into crime. 

The idea of Mr. Jefferson, that Governments derived their 
just powers from the consent of the governed — not from a 
part, but from the whole governed — ^runs through and is the 
spirit of our common Constitution. The people who were to 
live under it and to be protected by it, made it for themselves 
and consented to abide by it, paying it their obedience as they 
claimed its protection. Government is the exercise of the power 
of making and executing laws. Here those who exercise this 
power of making and executing the laws are not, or at least 

[38] 



i86i] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

should not be, self-chosen. The people choose or should choose 
whom they will to exercise this power, for their own purpose 
and benefit, limited in that exercise only by the rule of that 
Constitution which the people themselves have made. It was 
made for the purpose of protecting and not for the purpose 
of taking away inalienable rights, for the purpose of protect- 
ing and preserving civil and religious liberty, and not for the 
purpose of extending human slavery. So said the fathers of 
our system, who, while they tolerated slavery as an existing 
institution, deemed that ultimately it would be extinguished, 
and the nation become in fact what it is in theory, the home of 
universal Liberty. Interest, and passion, and ambition have 
startled the civilization of the age with strange ideas of gov- 
ernment, and of the equality of mankind. The theory that 
this Government is a machine to be used to extend Slavery 
wherever its power and jurisdiction reaches, and wherever our 
national flag floats; and that when so extended, the whole pow- 
er of the nation should be used to sustain the institution there, 
through the direct declarations or implied consent of the head 
of the government, and the chiefs of its departments, has taken 
so strong a hold upon the people of large sections of the coun- 
try, that a wild excitement rages upon the subject. 

Within the last year — as is a legal habit once in four years — ■ 
the people, in the usual constitutional way, without force or 
violence; with no armed bands; with no hostile or wicked in- 
tent; with no serried ranlcs or glittering bayonets, elected a 
President of the United States. The choice of the people, as 
shown in the selection made by the electors, is a peaceable, 
quiet citizen, undeniably eligible to the office. His opinions 
upon questions of public policy are precisely such as have been, 
entertained by those who have held the high office and dis- 
charged its duties before him. Believing that human slavery 
is in antagonism to that common liberty sought to be established 
and maintained under our common Constitution, he is opposed 
to its extension into the Free Territories of the United States. 

[39] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [i^^i- 

While he consents to the fact of the existence of slavery in 
many of the States, and avows that there is no right in the 
Free States, or in the General Government, to any interference, 
directly or indirectly, with slavery in the Slave States, he is 
opposed to its extension unauthorized by law. The multitude 
of people by whose suffrages he has been elected, entertain the 
same views. There is nothing unconstitutional in entertaining 
such views, or in expressing or avowing such opinions. There 
is no pretence by any considerable number of people anywhere, 
that there can be any legal interference with slavery in the 
Slave States, except by the people of the States themselves. The 
right or power of interfering by force is almost universally 
denied. 

Yet, on account of the result of such an election, interfering 
with the rights of no people or class of people, either in or out 
of the slave States ; taking away the rights of no State nor of 
the people of any State ; and on account of opinions and prin- 
ciples precisely such as were entertained by Washington and 
Jefferson and Madison, and all the early Presidents and states- 
men both in the slaveholding and non-slaveholding States, vio- 
lence is invoked, and armed men, making actual war upon the 
nation, threaten a dissolution of this Union, and the destruc- 
tion of this government. The Constitution of the United States 
makes no man a slave. It makes slaves of no class of men. 
The great leading idea of the government, that underlies all, 
overshadows all, permeates all, is civil and religious liberty. 
The idea that slavery under such a Constitution goes traveling 
into the free territories, without any local law in those terri- 
tories authorizing or tolerating it, is both absurd and wicked. 
Men are not universally recognized as property, or as; the com- 
mon subjects of property. The fact that a class of men are 
held as slaves under the laws of any given State, does not make 
them slaves out of the jurisdiction of that State unless it can 
be legally and legitimately assumed that the laws of a slave 
State follow the slave outside of that State, and are in actual 

[40] 



'^^J ANNUAL MESSAGE 

force beyond its limits. Because the people of the free States 
entertain views opposed to slavery extension, and because they 
have elected a President of the same faith, war is threatened 
and devastation and blood. ' 

A variety of excuses are made for the threatening attitude 
assumed toward the government and Union. The extreme 
Southern States complain of the Personal Liberty Bills, and 
demand their immediate and unconditional repeal ^^ 

In the slave States farthest South, from which a slave has 
scarcely ever escaped, there is the most apparent excitement on 
this subject. Further complaints are made because of the 
ditticulty of enforcing the fugitive slave law in the North 
Odious as that law is, it has been enforced in almost every State 
where the attempt has been made. Whether right or wrong 
this IS the fact. That people should object to an odious, and 
as they believe, unconstitutional law, which calls upon them to 
aid m reducing men to slavery, is not remarkable. A ehange 
m Its oppressive features would, just to the extent of the change 
do away with hostility to it. 

Personal liberty laws are found or should be found, upon 
the statutes of every State. They ought to be there. All States 
W^m, both North and South, varying in their character 

^3 The personal liberty laws were an effort on the part of many of 
the Northern states to destroy the operation of the Fugitive Slave Law 
Their ostensible object was to protect free negroes residing in the North 
from being carried into slavery on the charge of being fugitive slaves 
Their real object was to make the capture and return of escaped slaves so 
difficult that any effort toward such an end would be discouraged 
They provided accordingly for extending the writ of habeas corpus and 
the right to a jury trial to alleged fugitives; prohibited the aid of 
State officers or the use of State jails for their capture; established 
free legal aid; and laid down rigorous penalties for any attempt at 
kidnapping free persons. See Alex. Johnston, "Personal Liberty Laws," 
in J. J. Lalor, Cyclopcedia of Political Science (Chicago, 1881) ill 
p. 162.— Ed. 



[41] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL t^^^^- 

and provisions, yet still personal liberty laws.^* The highest 
duty of the legislature of any civilized State, is to provide by 
every constitutional means for the protection of the rights of 
person of the citizen. So a law for the protection and preser- 
vation of the liberty of the people cannot be too stringent if it 
is within the Constitution. The States never surrendered the 
right to protect the person of citizens. Every living human 
being has a right to a legal test of the question of whether he 
is a free man or a slave. While it cannot be consented that 
laws, looking to the protection of liberty, should be repealed, 
yet all such laws should conform to the Constitution of the 
United States. If on a close examination and scrutiny, you 
are satisfied that any of the provisions of our personal liberty 
laws are in conflict with the Constitution, it will be your duty, 
as your pleasure, to so change them that they shall conform to 
that Constitution.^^ But no fear, no favor, no hope of reward, 
no demand, no threat, should ever induce or drive a free people 
to break down the walls of their protection. "We love the Con- 
stitution and the Union of these States. We will make sacri- 
fices of feeling to appease and conciliate our brethren, but we 
will make no more sacrifices of principle. While this govem- 



34 The Wisconsin Personal Liberty Law provided for: 

a. The right to a writ of habeas corpus and a jury trial for alleged 
fugitives. 

b. Free legal aid. 

c. A fine of $1000 and imprisonment for one to five years for falsely 
representing a free person to be a slave. 

d. Limitation of evidence admitted against alleged fugitives. 

e. Legal discrimination against judgments secured for the violation 
of the Federal Fugitive Slave Law. 

See Wis. Rev. Statutes, 1858, chap. 159, sees. 51-61. — Ed. 

35 No action was taken at either the regular or the special session of 
1861 toward a modification of the Wisconsin Personal Liberty Law. 
In 1862, however, all of its important provisions were repealed. See 
Wis. Gen. Laws, 1862, chap. 346. Committee reports may be found in 
Sen. Jour., 1862, pp. 158, 216.— Ed. 

[42] 



^86i] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

m'ent stands, and we consent to live under it, Liberty may pay 
to Slavery the price the Fathers agreed should be paid, but, 
with our consent, it shall pay no more. We will abide by, and 
have never refused to abide by, the Compromises of our com- 
mon Constitution. But, subject to that Constitution, the civil 
and religious liberty, for which the flesh of the martyrs melted, 
and their bones crackled, in the flames; for which the Pilgrims 
became Pilgrims, and for which our fathers fought, shall travel 
down to other generations as they came careering on in the 
midst of the ages, with not one right impaired or one attribute 
lost. 

The remedy chosen for the imaginary evils suffered by the 
South, is Secession, and a total disruption of the States.^^ And 
here, in brave words, the right of secession is claimed. One 
State did not make the Union, nor did the people of one State 
make it. It was the joint work of all the people, speaking 
through all the States, and only the power that made it can 
destroy it. A disruption of a part is a disruption of the whole. 
The right of a State to secede from the Union can never be 
admitted. The national government cannot treat with a State 
while it is in the Union, and particularly while it stands in an 
attitude hostile to the Union. So long as any State assumes a 
position, foreign, independent, and hostile to the government, 
there can be no conciliation. The government of the United 
States cannot treat with one of its own States as a foreign 
power. The constitutional laws of the United States extend 
over every State alike. They are to be enforced in every State 
alike. 

A state cannot come into the Union as it pleases, and go out 
when it pleases. Once in, it must stay until the Union is des- 
troyed. There is no coercion of a State. But where a faction 
of a people arrays itself, not against one act, but against all 



36 The convention of South Carolina passed its ordinance of secession 
on Dec. 20, 1860, three weeks before Governor Randall's message wag 
delivered to the legislature. — Ed. 

[43l 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

laws, and against all govepnment, there is but one answer to be 
made: "The Government must he sustained^ and the laws 
shall he enforced!" 

Secession is revolution; revolution is war; war against the 
government of the United States is treason. 

It is time, now, to know whether we have any government, 
and if so, whether it has any strength. Is our written Consti- 
tution more than a sheet of parchment? The nation must be 
lost or preserved by its ow^n strength. Its strength is in the 
patriotism of the people. It is time now that politicians be- 
come patriots, that men show their love of country by every 
sacrifice but that of principle, and by unwavering devotion to 
its interests and integrity. 

The hopes of civilization and Christianity are suspended now 
upon the answer to this question of dissolution. The capacity 
for, as well as the right of self-government is to pass its ordeal, 
and speculation to become certainty. Other systems have been 
tried and have failed, and all along the skeletons of nations 
have been strewn, as warnings and landmarks upon the great 
highw^ay of historic government. Wisconsin is true, and her 
people steadfast. She will not destroy the Union, nor consent 
that it shall be done. Devised by great, and wise, and good 
men, in days of sore trial, it must stand. Like some bold 
mountain, at whose base the great seas break their angry floods, 
and around whose summit the thunders of a thousand hurri- 
canes have rattled, strong, unmoved, immovable — so may our 
Union be, while treason surges at its base, and passions rage 
around it, unmoved, immovable — here let it stand forever, 

Alex, W. Randall, 



[44 



i86i] SOUTHERN OVERTURES 



ATTEMPTS TO COMPROMISE 

Executive Office, 

Madison, Jan. 26, 1861. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

I transmit herewith a copy of resolutions received from the 
Governor of Virginia. ^^ 

Alex. W. Randall. 



3T The resolutions called upon the State of Wisconsin to appoint del- 
egates to a great peace conference at Washington, which should en- 
deavor to arrive at some plan of adjustment whereby war might be 
averted. The legislature appears to have been willing to appoint dele- 
gates, but was unable to agree upon the instructions to them. As a 
result, no delegates were sent from this State. 

The conference opened at Washington on Feb. 4, 1861, with represen- 
tatives present from twenty states. It deliberated for somewhat over 
three weeks, and agreed to recommend to Congress a number of 
amendments to the Federal Constitution, practically identical with 
those earlier proposed by Senator Crittenden of Kentucky. Congress 
v/as in no mood for compromise, however, and without much consid- 
eration the recommendations were defeated. See E. McPherson, His- 
tory of the Rebellion (Washington, 1865), pp 67-70. 

Messages of the Governor transmitting to the legislature resolutions 
from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, 
"Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 
Tennessee, and Texas have been omitted. These resolutions ask for 
no action from the State. They are merely expressions of opinion 
upon secession, and as such do not bear with directness upon Wiscon- 
sin history. — Ed. 



[45] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [iS^i- 

Executive brricE, 

Madison, February 18, 1861, 
To the Honorahle the Asscmhly: 

In answer to resolution No. 72, Assembly, I have to report 
that I have received no communications in reply to joint resol- 
utions No. 6, A.,"* which were forwarded by me to the Governors 
of other States, except letters simply acknowledging the receipt 
of the joint resolutions. 

On Friday last [Feb. 15], I received the enclosed resolutions 
which had been sent to the Governor of North Carolina, with. 
endorsement on the back of the same in pencil, which explains 
itself, made by some person whose signature is not affixed to 
the same. I transmit it as it was received by me. 

Alex. W. Randall. 



3s The jcint resolution should be no. 6 S; it became Jt. Res. no. 1, 
Wis. Gen. Laws, 1861. It tenders the President the support of Wiscon- 
sin in enforcing the laws and upholding the Union. See Sen. Jour., 
1861, pp. 43, 50, 52, and Assem. Jour., 1861, pp. 74, 75, for amendments, 
etc., showing variations of opinion. 

The "endorsement on the back of the same in pencil," mentioned 
in the Governor's communication, is as follows: 

"The South can survive the threat contained in the annexed resolu- 
tions, so long as the Legislature of Wisconsin uses the resources of that 
State onh/. but should they call in aid the famed La Crosse and Mil- 
waukee Railroad Company, then it may be we will succumb. 

"The strongest castle, tower and town; 
The golden bullet breaks it down." 

You know the little circumstance to which reference is made: a small 
matter, merely, — the circumstance of the' La Crosse & Milwaukee Rail- 
road Company bribing and buying up your "ILLUSTRIOUS" predeces- 
sor, the Governor of Wisconsin, and every member of their Legislature, 
save five, and failing in one of the five because the contracting parties 
could not agree upon the price to be paid for him. 

Let Wisconsin wipe this stain from her escutcheon before she pledges 
her 'sacred!!! honor!!!' to others, as she presumes to do in the an- 
nexed resolutions." 



46] 



i86i] FUNDS NEEDED 

Executive Office, 
^ Madison, March 26, 1861. 

To the Honorahle the Legislature: 

Herewith I transmit an authenticated copy of a joint resolu- 
tion to amend the Constitution of the United States, adopted 
by Congress, and approved March 2, 1860, by James Buchanan, 
President of the United States.^^ 

Butler G. Noble. 
[Lieutenant Governor] 



AN APPEAL FOR FUNDS 

Executive Office, 

Madison, April 15, 1861. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

Extraordinary exigencies have arisen which may create the 
necessity of further legislation, in order to aid efficiently the 
Federal Government to maintain its integrity. The act ap- 
proved April 13, 1861 is entirely inefficient. It provides for 
an expenditure and outlay of money, and provides no where 
for drawing money until after it has been expended. Before 
anything can be done under that act it requires a material 
amendment. It is a time when party politics sink into insig- 
nificance, and when the patriotism of Legislators and of the 
people must be manifested by works. An amendment to the 
laws at this time will save the expense of a special session of 



39 The proposed amendment prohibited amendments to the Federal 
Constitution, which would give Congress the power to abolish or inter- 
fere with the domestic institutions of any State, "including that of per- 
sons held to labor or service." No action appears to have been 
taken upon it, except reference to the Assembly committee on federal 
relations. — Ed. 



[47] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

the Legislature which I shall be compelled to call unless the 
necessary legislation is passed before an adjournment.*" 

Alex, W. Eandall. 



FOUR PROCLAMATIONS 

On April 16, 1861, the Governor issued the following call for 
troops : 

To the Loyal Citizens of Wisconsin: 

For the first time in the history of this Federal Government, 
organized treason has manifested itself within several States 
of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it. 
The Proclamation of the President of the United States tells 
of unlawful combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the 
ordinary manner, and calls for military forces to suppress such 
combinations, and to sustain him in executing the laws.*^ The 
treasures of the country mtist no longer be plundered ; the pub- 
lic property must be protected from aggressive violence; that 
already seized, must be retaken, and the laws must be executed 
in every State of the Union alike. 

A demand made upon "Wisconsin by the President of the 
United States for aid to sustain the Federal Arm, must meet 



40 Fort Sumter was fired upon on Friday, April 12, and evacuated 
on Sunday, April 14. The President's first call for troops was made 
on April 15. The act of April 13 is Wis. Gen. Laws, 1861, chap. 239. 
It received the necessary a;mendments in Ibid., chap. 307. These acts 
authorized the Governor to accept the services of volunteers and to 
equip them, if the President should call upon the State for aid. They 
made an approi)riation of $200,000, to be raised by a bond issue for 
that amount. A minority report of the select committee on bill 37 S, 
which became chap. 239, is printed in Sen. Jour., 1861, pp. 757, 758. 
For the negotiation of the bond issue see Governor's message of Jan. 14, 
1862, post, pp. 81-83.— Ed. 

41 Proclamation of April 15, in J. D. Richardson, Messages and Pa- 
pers of the Presidents (Washington, 1896), vi, pp. 13, 14. — Ed. 

[4S] 



^^^^J , CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 

with a prompt response. One Eegiment of the Militia of this 
State, will be required for immediate service, and further 
service will be required as the exig-encies of the Government 
may demand. It is a time when against the civil and religious 
liberties of the people, and against the integrity of the Gov- 
ernment of the United States, parties and politicians and plat- 
forms must be as dust in the balance. All good citizens, every- 
where, must join in making common cause against a common 
enemy. *- 

Opportunities will be immediately offered to all existing mil- 
itary companies, under the direction of the proper authorities 
of the State, for enlistment to fill the dem'and of the Federal 
Government, and I hereby invite the patriotic citizens of the 
State to enroll themselves into companies of seventy-eight men 
each, and to advise the Executive of their readiness to be 
mustered into service immediately. Detailed instructions will 
be furnished on the acceptance of companies, and the com- 
missioned officers of each regiment will nominate their own 
field officers. 

In times of public danger bad men grow bold and reckless. 
The property of the citizen becomes unsafe, and both public 
and private rights liable to be jeopardized. I enjoin upon all 
administrative and peace officers within the State renewed 
vigilance in the maintenance and execution of the laws, and in 
guarding against excesses leading to disorder among the people. 

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of 
Wisconsin, this 16th day of April, A. D. 1861. 

Bij the Governor, 

Alex. W. Randall. 
L. P. Harvey, Secretary of State. 

42 The War Department telegraphed the Governor on April 15 that 
a call for one regiment would be mailed that evening. Wisconsin's 
quota under this call was one regiment of thirty-seven officers ajid 
743 men, a total of 780; the number furnished was 817 .—Rebellion 
Records (Washington, 1899), serial no. 122, p. 69. See also the Gover- 
nor's message of April 22, 1861, succeeding.— Ed 

' [49] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

On April 22, 1861, the Governor thanked the people as fol- 
lows, for their prompt response to his call: 

To the Patriotic People of Viisconsin: 

In six days from the issue of my proclamation of the 16th 
inst., the First Regiment called for by the President of the 
United States, for the defense of the Union is enrolled already 
for service. Five companies from Milwaukee, one from Ken- 
osha, two from Madison, one from Horicon, and one from Be- 
loit are assigned to the First Regiment, while nineteen more 
companies have tendered their services. It is to be regretted 
that Wisconsin is not permitted to increase largely her quota, 
but her loyal citizens must exercise patience till called for. I 
urge the formation of companies of able-bodied men to the 
number of seventy-seven each, in every locality where it can 
be done vrithout expense for subsistence ; men, Avho will pledge 
themselves to be minute men, standing ready at short notice 
to answer to other calls of the Government. When such com- 
panies are full, if infantry or riflemen, let them elect a Captain, 
Lieutenant and Ensign, and report to the Adjutant General 
for commissions and for orders. It is not necessary that men 
be taken from their peaceful avocations to be drilled for active 
service, though where companies are located in large towns, 
it is desirable that they be drilled as far as possible in the use 
of arms. Whenever they are called into service, all their ex- 
penses will be paid. Where companies have been enrolled and 
have reported, offering their services, they will be first called 
upon whenever a new demand is made upon the State by the 
President, which is likely to be very soon. I thank the good 
people of the State for their ready response to my proclamation^ 
and for their patriotic devotion to the country. 

Alex. W. Randall. 
Madison, April 22d, A. D. 1861. 



[50] 



i86i] AN APPEAL TO WOMEN 

At the same time, the Governor also made the following re- 
quests to the women of the Comm'onwealth for their co-operation, 
in sanitary aid to the army : 

Executive Office, 

Madison, April 22, 1861. 
To the Patriotic Women of Wisconsin: 

I know that you will cheerfully respond to my request that 
you contribute your aid in the present crisis, in the way of pre- 
paring lint and bandages for the use of the army. A much 
larger amount of such necessaries for an army, may be pre- 
pared, than may be required by the sons of Wisconsin, but in 
the long war likely to follow, there may be thousands who will 
require such kindness. Whatever is prepared can be forwarded 
to, or placed directly in the hands of James Holton, Esq., Milwau- 
kee, who will attend to its proper disposition. 

Your husbands and brothers and sons are called upon to* 
aid in subduing rebellion, in punishing treason, in the mainte- 
nance of the Government and in the execution of the laws. It 
is your country and your Government as well as theirs that is 
now in danger, and you can give strength and courage and 
wanu sj^mpathies and cheering words to those who go to dO' 
battle for all that is dear to us here. Bitter as the parting may 
be to many, I am assured that you will bid them go bravely for- 
ward for God and Liberty, to "return with their shields, or on 
them." 

I commend the soldiers to your kindness and encouragement 
and prayers with full confidence that when occasion calls, many, 
very many Florence Nightingales will be found in our goodly- 
land. 

Most Kespectfully, 

Alex. W. Randall.. 



[5T 



; . GOVERNOR RANDALL [i^^i- 

ExECUTivE Office, 

Madison, April 27th, 1861. 
To the Ladies of Wisconsin: 

The great demand throughout the country for blankets, will 
render it extremely difficult to furnish enough, immediately, for 
the health and comfort of the soldiers who are ordered into 
service. Any contributions of blankets and quilts, made for the 
use and benefit of the soldiers, until purchases can be made, will 
be most thankfully received. They can be forwarded to James 
Holton, Esq., of Milwaukee, or H. E. Paine, Esq., at Madison, 
Wis. 

Alex W. Randall. 



REGIMENTAL ASSIGNMENTS 

Executive Office, 

Madison, April 23, 1861. 
The following Companies are assigned to the Second Regiment 
of Wisconsin active Militia to be called into the service of the 
United States on another requisition made by the President : 

Fond du Lac Badgers. 

Beloit Volunteer Rifles. 

Oshkosh Company, Captain Bouck. 

Belle City Rifles, Racine. 

Janesville Volunteers, Captain Ely. 

La Crosse Light Guard. 

Miners' Guards, Mineral Point. 

Company No. 1, Grant Co., Capt. McKe^. 

Randall Guards, Lieut. Randolph, Madison. 

Portage Light Guards. 

These companies will prepare for an immediate call to a 
rendezvous to be designated by me. 

Alex. W. Randall. 

[52] 



i86i] PREPARATIONS FOR WAR 



1861. Special Leg-islative Session, May 15-27 

Tlie Governor convened the Legislature in Special Session for 
May 15, in the following: 

PROCLAMATION 

Executive Office, 

Madison, May 9th, 1861. 

The extraordinary condition of the country, growing out of 
the rebellion against the Government of the United States, 
makes it necessary that the Legislature of this State be con- 
vened in special session to provide more completely for making 
the power of the State useful to the Government, and to other 
loyal States. 

I, therefore, in pursuance of the authority vested in me by 
the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby convene 
the Legislature of this State, for a special session thereof to 
be held at Madison on Wednesday the 15th day of May, A, D. 
1861, at twelve o'clock M. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed this 
9th day of May, A. D. 1861. 

By the Governor, 

Alex. W. Randall. 
L. P. Harvey, Secretary of State. 



On the day of assembling, the two Houses met in Joint Con- 
vention, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

SPECIAL MESSAGE 
as follows : 

Senators and Representatives: 

At the close of the last annual session of the Legislature, to 
meet a sudden emergency, an act was passed authorizing me to 

[53] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861-- 

respond to the call of the President of the United States, for 
"aid in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws, 
or to suppress rebellion or insurrection, or to repel invasion 
within the United States," and I was authorized, and it was 
made my dut}^, to take such measures as in my judgment should 
provide in the speediest and most efficient manner, for respond- 
ing to such call ; and to this end I was authorized to accept the 
services of volunteers for active service, to be enrolled in com- 
panies of not less than seventy-five men each, rank and file, and 
in regiments of ten companies each. I was also authorized to 
provide for uniforming and equipping such companies as were 
not provided with uniforms and equipments.*^ 

The first call of the President for immediate active service, 
was for one regiment of men. 

My proclamation, issued immediately after the passage of the 
act of the Legislature, was answered within less than ten days, 
by companies enough, each containing the requisite number of 
men, to make up at least five regiments, instead of one. I then 
issued another proclamation,** announcing the offers that had 
been made, and advising that thereafter companies might be 
enrolled to stand as minute men, ready to answer further calls, 
as they might be made, but without expense to the State, except 
as they were mustered into service. In less than one month 
from the date of my first proclamation, at least five thousand 
men, either as individuals or in enrolled companies, have offered 
their services for the war, and all appear anxious for active 
service in the field. 

In providing for the First Regiment, embarrassments have 
resulted from the fact that there has never been an efficient 
military organization in this State — no system or discipline. 
The men who hadJ seen active field service were ver^^ few, or 
were almost entirely unknown ; and the order and manner of 



43 See Wis. Gen. Laivs, 1861, chaps. 239, 307.— Ed. 
*4 The proclamations referred to were those of April 16 and 22, 1861, 
respectively. — Ed. 

[54] 



i86i] PREPARATIONS FOR WAR 

equipping and uniforming and arming soldiers and officers for 
rugged war were mysteries, the solution of which could only be 
found by actual experiment. 

So the expenses incurred in preparing the First Regiment 
have been greater to some extent than they otherwise would 
have been, or than they hereafter will be. 

The spirit envoked by the rebellion against the government 
of the United States is such as has never before been mani- 
fested since its organization. The people understand that it is 
their government that is assailed, and everywhere throughout 
the North they are rising up to rebuke the treason so rife in 
some portions of the land. 

The deepening and "widening dangers that threaten our in- 
stitutions, and the pressure of public opinion from all parts of 
the State, with the growing certainty that further calls would 
be made upon this State, forced me to form another camp, and 
to bring together another regiment of men, and to authorize 
a number of isolated companies which had volunteered, to re- 
main together, and to learn so far as was possible without 
suitable arms, the discipline and drilling necessary for men 
going into actual war. It is a matter of public necessity and 
safety not only for the States but for the Government that an 
outlet be found for the spirit that is abroad among the liberty- 
loving people of the land. That spirit is driving them to action, 
and if the Government does not or will not permit them to act 
for it, tliey will act for themselves. It is better that the State 
or Federal Government should direct this current than to suffer 
it to run wildly. There is a' moral element and a reasoning 
element in this uprising that cannot be controlled in the ordi- 
nary manner. There is a conviction of great wrongs to be re- 
dressed, and that the Government, Avhich is in danger, is to be 
preserved by the willing hearts and strong hands of those to 
whom it belongs. This current of popular feeling must be 
directed and controlled, or there will come of it something more 
than a war to put down rebellion ; it will become a war between 
border States, and those whose interests are connected with the 

[55] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

border States, and in such a war, for the time being, the Gov- 
ernment might be lost sight of. If it was absolutely certain that 
the seventy-three thousand troops first called, would wipe out 
the rebellion in three v/eeks from to-day, it would still be the 
policy of the Government and for its best interests, in view of 
what ought to be the future of this great Nation, to call into 
the field, as fast as they could be armed, at least three hundred 
thousand men. 

The majesty and power of this government, if it has either, 
should be manifested now, so that the world may see it, and so 
that for all future time in its history the idea of secession and 
rebellion, shall be an idea of the past. When the people see 
that their uprising has put down the rebellion, they will be sat- 
isfied, and not before. 

The difficulties of the present crisis are growing greater and 
more extreme eyery day. Broad and more extended fields are 
constantly opening by the threatening attitude of new States, 
forced ])y treachery, or by armed mobs, dignified by the names 
of rebels, into secession. One State after another, willing or 
unwilling, has been or is now being placed in an attitude of 
hostility to Federal authority, until with one more seceding 
State, there will be fifteen hundred miles of contiguous terri- 
tory standing in most wicked warlike antagonism. 

It is a most startling consideration that the people of the 
LTnited States should be at war with each other, and that the 
Government of the United States should be forced to the terrible 
necessity of maintaining its authority, against internal 
dissensions, by force of arms. The settled design to overthrr 
our system, so wisely designed, complicated yet simple, the 
eompletest for working out the greatest good of all men under 
it, is so strange, unaccountable, causeless, inexcusable, that war 
had actually begun, and an attack upon public property had 
actually been made, before the law-abiding people of the 
country could be brought to realize that danger existed. "We 
had noticed for a long time apparent preparations for mischief, 
and had heard threats of a hostile disposition in one portion of 

[56] 



i86i] PREPARATIONS FOR WAR 

the country against another portion, but eighty years of growth 
and prosperity had so fastened upon the minds of the people 
the idea of permanency and strength, that it was impossible to 
conceive of a serious, deliberate intent to destroy the Union. 

The feeble colonies of revolutionary days had grown into 
great States, many of which in population equaled, and in 
wealth exceeded the population and wealth of the whole thir- 
teen at the close of our first great struggle. An increase in pop- 
ulation from about three to thirty-three millions of men, 
women, and children, and an increase in wealth of thousands upon 
thousands of millions of dollars, should be our sufficient war- 
rant, for assuming that the government under which we have 
lived, and under which our fathers lived, and under which the 
posterity of this great people ought to live in peace, was, and 
is of some value, and that it ought not for slight causes to be 
disturbed. 

The election of a man to the Presidency of the United States, 
according to the usual mode, strictly in conformity with the 
Constitution of the United States, without force or violence, is 
the pretext upon which what is called secession is now attempted. 
Just as all Presidents but one*^ have been elected to the highest 
executive office on this Continent, so Abraham Lincoln was 
elected President of the United States. There is no pretence 
anywhere that the election was not legal and constitutional. His 
installation however, was the occasion of resistance to the con- 
stituted authorities, and State after State has been madly pre- 
cipitated into a revolution. 'To make more severe the trials of the 
country in this exigency, some high in position as cabinet min- 
isters, and as administrative officers, had been covertly and 
treacherously using the whole power intrusted to them, to de- 
stroy the force and efficiency of the machinery of the govern- 
ment. On the 4th of March last, the new presidential incumbent 
found the treasury of the nation empty, and its credit ex- 



45 Probably referring to the election of John Quincy Adams by the 
House of Representatives. — Ed. 

[57] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL ti86i- 

hausted ; its army scattered in small bands to extreme points, 
so that it could not be concentrated within any reasonable time ; 
its ships dismantled and disabled, or in foreign and far distant 
ports, and its arms doubly secured by being deposited in the 
willing hands of traitors, and every diurnal revolution brought 
fresh anxieties, as the treachery and faithlessness of a multitude 
of civil, military and naval officers became manifest. The very 
magnitude of the crimes that have been committed against the 
Government, appalled, the stoutest, and the stealing of moneys 
from the public treasury, the plunder of arms from the arsenals, 
and other public crimes, were so majestic and imposing in their 
extent, that by their side, the dignity and luster of the boldest 
conspiracies and robberies of which history makes record are 
dim and shadowy in their littleness and meanness. 

It is easy to conceive, at such a time and, under such embar- 
rassments as those, how much labor must have been performed 
to bring back the government even to the point it has now 
reached, and it is also clearly to be perceived how much the 
States themselves must be relied upon to furnish efficient aid to 
restore the country to health and strength and prosperity. The 
Federal Government being theoretically one of law and not of 
force, cannot act Avith that celerity incident to a despotic one, 
whose strength is in great armies, ready at the trumpet's call to 
engage in conflict. It must work slowly, but it will move with 
power. We must approve of whatever it has done and be pre- 
pared for further exhibitions of energy, such as the public ex- 
igencies may demand. But the States must be prepared to aid 
the Government by supplies of men, and if necessary by the loan 
of means. Each State can muster its quota of soldiers quicker 
than the Government can muster the quota of each State, and so 
each State can arm and uniform and equip its quota quicker 
than the Government can arm, equip and uniform them all. 

There is necessity of giving immediate attention to the country 
directly contiguous to the line between the law-abiding and se- 
ceding States, and those that still may be forced into secession. 
The Union men of the seceding States, and particularly of the 

[58] 



i86i] PREPARATIONS FOR WAR 

border States must in some way be sustained. The fierceness of 
this wicked rebellion is to exhibit itself through the last named 
sections of country more than anywhere else, yet on the law 
^nd government side of the line of division there is less prepara- 
tion for defence than almost anywhere else. From Pittsburg 
and Cincinnati to the mouth of the Ohio, on the Northern side 
of the river, the country is almost entirely defenceless against 
an armed enemy. 

At the present time Cincinnati and numerous smaller towns 
on the river could be utterly destroyed and the contiguous 
couutr}' laid waste without the means of resistance. It is 
matter of absolute necessity not only for the North border states 
but for Northwestern states to be able to control the business 
and commerce of the Ohio river, and the upper Mississippi, in 
order to reach a vital part of this rebellion. They must be able 
to cut off from the seceding States, all supplies of breadstuffs, 
and also to stop the transit and transportation of arms or muni- 
tions of war. An enemy to our common country cannot be per- 
mitted to hold an important point like Cairo. The Mississippi 
and Ohio rivers must be kept at all times open to the legitimate 
and honest commerce and business of the Northwest. St. Louis 
must be strengthened in the hands of the Union men of Missouri, 
not only because it is just that it should be so, but because the 
interests of the free territories west and north-west of that city, 
demand it. The vast lumber and mineral interests of Wiscon- 
sin, independent of her conmianding produce and stock trade, 
bind her fast to the North border and Northwestern states, and 
demand, like them, the free navigation of the Mississippi, and 
all its tributaries, from their highest navigable waters to their 
mouths. 

The necessities I have named being granted, we must look to 
the means to do what ought to be done in the least possible time. 
It needs men, arms, and munitions of war. One hundred and 
sixty thousand men, if it were necessarj^, could be enrolled in a 
few weeks for such purposes, and among the swarming millions 
-of border and Northwestern States,- there is but one pulse beat- 

[59] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [i86i~ 

ing to-day, and but one purpose to hold up the hands — not of 
Abraham Lincoln — but of the President of the United States; 
maintain the integrity of the Government, and to aid in exe- 
cuting the laws in every State alike. The Northwest needs a 
better military organization, and a military head, under Federal 
control, to which these States can look for orders, and to which 
they can communicate their necessities without tedious and mis- 
chievous delays. 

I know full v,-ell that the Federal Government will act for th© 
"West and for the border States, just as it seems to see a 
necessit3^ We can see a necessity for action noiv, not only for 
the safety of the General Government, but for the safety of the 
Union men of the south border States, and of the northern 
border States, and also for our ov/n interests in the way of our 
large trade and commerce upon the Mississippi and its tribu- 
taries. The common interests of all the Northvv-est, must have 
a com.mon protection, and in crushing out this wicked rebellion, 
the Northwestern States must make common cause with the 
Federal Government. 

The border and Northwestern States cannot wait to see their 
towns and cities, upon navigable streams, sacked and burned, 
and the contiguous country wasted, and then content them- 
selves simply with retaliation. They must be supplied with the 
means of preventing disasters of the kind. 

These States cannot be satisfied with small call after small call 
of raiv troops, to be put into the field as soon as mustered, with- 
out discipline or drilling, or a knowledge of the use of arms. 
They would not be soldiers, but simply marks for an enemy to 
shoot at. Men must understand the use of arms to be efficient 
soldiers either in defending our States or in aid of the govern- 
ment. They cannot well learn the use of them until they get 
them. 

There should be an authority to put more men into the field, 
and there must be arms furnished for the men. Soldiers 
ought to go into camp and learn the use of weapons and the 
duties of soldiers. If the government cannot at once furnish 

r6ol 



i86i] PREPARATIONS FOR WAR 

arms, the States must do it, and wait upon the Government. 
The States should be preparing their aid both in furnishing men 
and providing arms, so that when mustered into service the army- 
may be efficient. 

Illinois has but a trifle over double the population of Wiscon- 
sin,-^ and the call for six regiments from Illinois, and only one 
from Wisconsin, is so disproportionate, as to excite extreme dis- 
satisfaction. Companies enough for five regiments, almost, are 
enrolled and drilling without arms, and two regiments, partially 
armed with indifferent weapons, are in camp. We need, for the 
protection, and use, and benefit of our citizen soldiery, arms 
now, war or no war. It is as yet impossible to ascertain to 
what extent the States, particularly this State, will be called 
upon to furnish forces, or to what extent the forces called for 
must be armed, equipped, and uniformed for service. The 
people of the State, and of all the States, are anxious to know 
what and how much is expected of them, and are ready to re- 
spond. While the details of the policy of the administration 
should not be made public, information of the general purposes 
of the Government should be lodged somewhere in each loyal 
State, so that there can be an authoritative assurance of what 
is intended and expected. In the absence of such information, 
the judgment of this Legislature must determine for Wisconsin, 
what aid she can afford to extend to the Federal Government in 
the way of regiments of men, and in the way of arming, equip- 
ping and uniforming its own citizens, for military purposes, and 
how far it will make its military forces useful and efficient by 
putting them in the shape of regiments into camp to be drilled, 
inured to the hardships of the soldier's life, and made skillful 
in the use of arms, before being called upon to face experienced 
armies in battle. 

In my judgment, at least six regiments of soldiers ought to be 
put into camp to learn soldiers' duties, in addition to the one 



46 The population of Wisconsin in 1860 numbered 775,881; that of 
Illinois, 1,711,951.— Ed. 

[6l] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [i^^i- 

first called for. They sliould be armed and uniformed and 
equipped by the State now, and when mustered into the service 
of the United States their arms and uniforms and equipments 
accounted for to the State by the National Government.*'' Th& 
men sent to war should be soldiers when they go, or there will 
be few of them living soldiers when it is time for them to return. 
" An appropriation of at least one million of dollars will, in my 
judgment, be necessary for the purpose of putting into the field 
a resei'ved force, and for providing to meet the demands of the 
Government as they are made.*^ An authority ought to be 
given to purchase for the use of the State, in addition to such 
arras as are required for the use of regiments going into the 
field, six rifled cannon. 

And now, to the judgment of the Legislature I commit the 
subjects suggested, invoking a calm, firm, deliberate, unimpas- 
sioned, yet bold consideration and action. 

In revolutionary days the men who fought our battles, the 
men who deliberated and who made or laid the foundation for 
making our institutions, put at hazard life and fortune and 
honor, counting all these of little value by the side of the great 
end and object to be attained — Civil and Religious Liberty. 
Money is a small price to pay for these, and he who will not 
to-day aid in maintaining this GovenanVent by every possible 
means, is no patriot, and has no right, either for his person or 
property, to claim the protection of the laws. 

The value of the property of Wisconsin is two hundred mil- 
lions of dollars at least. What man having two hundred dollars 
will refuse to spend two dollars out of that sum, that he may 
quietly, in his own right, enjoy the other one hundred and 
ninety-eight ? 



47 Wis. Oen. Laws, extra session, 1861, chaps. 4, 11, provided for rais- 
ing and organizing six regiments of infantry. Ihid, chaps. 6, 12, pro- 
vided the necessary arms and equipment. — Ed. 

48 Ihid, chap. 13, authorized a loan of $1,000,000 "to repel invasion,, 
suppress insurrection, and defend the State in time of war." — Ed. 

[62] 



i86i] PREPARATIONS FOR WAR 

The time for deliberation must give way to the time for action. 
The Constitution of the United States must be sustained in all 
its first intent and wholeness. The right of the people of every 
state to go into every other state and engage in any lawful pur- 
suit, without unlawful interference or molestation; the freedom 
of speech and of the press; the right of trial by jury; security 
from unjustifiable seizure of person or papers, and all constitu- 
tional privileges and immunities, must receive new guarantees of 
safety from tar and feathers, and halters and mobs. There can 
be no more compromises, no settlements, no treating with rebels, 
no concessions; nothing now but absolute submission to the 
power and jurisdiction and authority of the Government of the 
United States. 

The people will never consent to any cessation of the war, 
forced so wickedly upon us, until the traitors are hung or driven 
into ignominious exile. This war began where Charleston is; 
it should end where Charleston was. The Supreme Ruler can 
but smile upon the efforts of the law loving, government loving, 
liberty loving people of this land, in resisting the disruption of 
this Union. These gathering armies are the instruments of His 
vengeance, to execute his just judgments; they are His flails 
wherewith on God's great Southern threshing floor. He will 
pound rebellion for its sins. 

Alex. W. Randall. 

Madison, May 15, 1861. 



LEAVE OP ABSENCE REQUESTED 

Executive Office, 

Madison, May 17, 1861. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

To meet a contingency that may arise under the provisions of 
the last part of section 7, of article 5 of the Constitution of 
this State, I have to ask the adoption of the following joint reso- 

[63] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL t^S^i- 

lution, or some other expression of the Legislature equivalent 
thereto : 

Resolved, That the consent of this Legislature is hereby given 
to the Governor of this State, to be out of this State in time of 
the present war, as in his discretion he may deem advisable, in 
connection with the military forces from this State.*^ 

Alex. W. Randall, 



MILITARY DISBURSEMENTS 

Executive Office, 

Madison, May 17, 1861. 

To the Honorahle the Assembly: 

I have received resolution No. 4 A., asking me to furnish the 
House with a detailed statement of the disbursements, conse- 
quent upon the reorganization of the Militia of the State, from 
the 17th day of April, 1861, to date: 

I will immediately provide the disbursing officers with clerks, 
to make up and report the statement required. It may take 
some days as some of the accounts are not yet reported from 
Milw^aukee, by Mr. Holton, who has been the contracting and 
disbursing officer there. As soon as possible the report will be 
prepared. 

Alex. W. Randall. 



Executive Office, 

Madison, May 22d, 1861. 

To the Honorahle the Assembly: 

Immediately on the receipt of a resolution passed by your 
body on the 16th inst., requesting me to lay before the Assembly 
a detailed statement "of the expenditures made, under my di- 
rection, of moneys appropriated by the bill passed at the close 
of your previous session, providing for the calling out of troops 



49 The request of the Governor was granted; IMd, Jt. Res. no. 1. — Ed. 

[64] 



i86i] MILITARY DISBURSEMENTS 

in answer to any requisition from the Federal Government, I 
required the agent of the state at Milwaukee, and the disbursing 
officer, Paymaster-General Simeon ]\Iills, to prepare such de- 
tailed statement. It is only yesterday afternoon that I have 
obtained from Milwaukee the full statement, with vouchers, 
for the expenditures made there previous to and including May 
7th, and it will be impossible to procure the remainder of the 
statement in detail, in time to be furnished to the Assembly 
during the probable duration of the session. I have therefore 
caused to be prepared a statement in general terms, dravni from 
the examination of the above mentioned vouchers, and from the 
books and vouchers in possession of the Paymaster-General, 
bringing the aggregate down to this date. The statement is as 
follows : 

Amount drawn from Treasury to this date $92,980.26 

[1] Amount strictly chargeable to the 1st regiment 15,623.84 

[2] Amount chargeable to 2d regiment 14,330.78 

[3] Amount expended for 3d and 4th regiments 1,191.64 

[4] Amount charged to "general supplies" 38,258.74 

[5] Sundry bills paid in Milwaukee 24,030.00 

[6] Expenses of fitting and furnishing camp at Madison 2,750.00 

$96,185.95 
Cash in hands of Paymaster General 3,205.69 



$92,980.26 



[1] This amount does not represent the whole amount paid 
out for the 1st Regiment, it being drawn from the vouchers re- 
turned from Milwaukee, of dates previous to May 8th. A large 
portion of the amount in item number 5 has gone directly to the 
outfit, subsistence, etc., of the 1st Regiment, which has been 
mustered into the service of the United States. 

[2] This amount has been expended in paying bills for sub- 
sistence of enlisted men whose place of residence was outside 
of the towns where the several companies were located, and in 
the purchase of uniforms and other articles for their equipment, 
5 [65] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [i86i-^ 

and sundry miscellaneous bills properly chargeable to that 
Regiment, 

[3] This amount has been paid for uniforms and subsist- 
ence bills for companies in the 3d Eegiment. 

[4] This item includes a large amount expended in the pur- 
chase of cloth and trimmings for uniforms, knapsacks, tents, 
blankets, etc. Some of these articles have been furnished to the 
1st and 2d regiments and a portion of the items purchased under 
the next item [5] remain in store in Milwaukee, or in this city, 
having been transferred, from Milwaukee. As accurate a cal- 
culation as time and circumstances will allow, shows that there 
are in store materials for use in equipping the 2d and following 
regiments, amounting to about $42,000. The rapid and increas- 
ing advance in the prices of all kinds of military goods, rendered 
it advisable, as an economical measure, in my judgment, to pro- 
cure these goods in advance, to provide for regiments which I 
had substantial reasons to lielieve would be soon called into 
service. 

[6] For the amount expended under this head, the camp at 
this place has been provided with whatever is necessary for its 
use as a rendezvous for other regiments, after the one now oc- 
cupying it has been mustered into the U. S. service. 

The request of the Assembly to furnish a detailed statement 
would require the employment of clerks, and consume more 
time than the legislature will probably be in session, the very 
large number of items, varying from 10 cents to $10,000, and 
would require the attendance of the assistant Quartermaster 
General away from his duties in Milwaukee. The act of last 
winter, requiring only a report to the next Legislature is the 
reason why no report was prepared at the commencement of 
the present special session. If it is still desired that the detailed 
statement be prepared, its preparation shall be proceeded with 
at once. I will suggest the appointment of such committee as 
the Assembly may deem advisable, to examine carefully the 
vouchers for the expenditure of moneys, the materials pur- 

[66] 



i86i] MILITARY ORGANIZATION 

chased and in use, and the large amount of materials on hand 
for the use of other regiments as they may be formed.^" 

Alex. W. Randall. 



THE WAR ESTABLISHMENT 

Executive Office, 

Madison, May 23, 1861. 

To the Honorable the Legislature: 

I regret the difficulty which seems to have arisen in regard 
to the designation of duties to he performed by the several of- 
ficers, in connection with the war establishm'ent. 

If the Legislature will pass the bills before them so as to 
authorize the Secretary of State and State Treasurer, or either 
of them, to accept and approve the bonds of Quartennaster, 
Paymaster, and officers of the Commissary Department, and 
will authorize them or either of them to negotiate the sale of 
the bonds to be issued to pay the expenses of the contemplated 
military organization, it will be a great relief to me, in the way 
of lightening my duties and responsibilities, and save me to 
that extent from constant misrepresentations. Neither of those 
gentlemen need any assistance in such duties, and neither of 
them will need watching. I have determined that no personal 
considerations shall interfere with the discharge of my duties." 

"Whenever three persons are designated in any of the bills 
before the Legislature, to do any act, a majority of those per- 
sons should be vested with the requisite authority. 



50 A committee was appointed to examine the vouchers, but it made 
no report; see however, report of Joint Investigating Committee in 
Wis. Sen. Jour., 1862, ii, p. 1017 ff., also p. 1141 ff.— Ed. 

51 Wis. Gen. Laivs, ex. sess., 1861, chap. 13, sec. 1, provided that 
the Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer should constitute 
a board of loan commissioners to negotiate loans not to exceed 
$1,000,000. on the most favorable terms obtainable; see post, p. 83, note 
59.— Ed. 

[67] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

I have become satisfied that if specie alone is to be demanded 
on the sale of bonds, the loss to the State, at the present time, 
must be tweny per cent., or two hundred thousand dollars, upon 
the million of dollars of bonds authorized to be sold.-'' 

Alex. W. Randall. 



Executive Office, 

Madison, May 25, 1861. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

The act to provide for the purchase of arms,"'" will, from its 
peculiar provisions, require me to borrow the money to pay the 
expenses of the Commissioners in going out of the State to pur- 
chase arms, if it should be necessary to send Commissioners. It 
will be with extreme difficulty that I shall be able to accomplish 
what is required to be done under the acts passed by the Legis- 
lature; but I shall struggle to the best advantage in the dis- 
charge of my duties. If the Legislature insists upon it, I will 
endeavor to borrow the money.^* 

Alex. W. Randall. 



Executive Office, 

Madison, May 25, 1861. 

To the Honorable the Legislature: 

A provision in the war bill approved this day prohibits the 
payment of any sum exceeding one hundred and twenty-five 



52 ihid, chap. 13, sec. 8, provided that sixty percent of the bonds 
should be received in coin, and forty percent in current bills. For the 
negotiation of these bonds see the report of the Secretary of State for 
1861 in Wis. Governor'' s Messages and Accompanying Documents (Madi- 
son, 1862), pp. 227, 228; also the report of the Joint Investigating Com- 
mittee in Sen. Jour., 1862, ii, pp. 1008-1045, and p. 1141 ff.— Ed. 

53 Wis. Gen. Laws. ex. sess., 1861, chap. 6. — Ed. 

54 The expenses of the commissioners were provided for by Ihidt 
chap. 12. — Ed. 

[68] 



i86i] MILITARY ORGANIZATION 

dollars per month to any officer until mustered into the service 
of the United States. All the regimental officers and all officers 
above the grade of regimental officers, I understand, are re- 
quired by the rules of the "War Department, to equip and uni- 
form themselves, and all field officers to buy their own horses, 
I submit to the Legislature, whether the rules of the War De- 
partment, the practice of other states, and the honor of thef 
state of Wisconsin, would not warrant a change in that law. 
As it now is the services of volunteers are to be rendered for a 
small sum, so far as the officers are concerned, and in addition 
to services rendered in patriotic efforts to sustain the Govern- 
ment, they will be compelled to pay for horses and uniforms 
partially out of their own pockets. Without regard to the ap- 
pearance of such legislation abroad, in aid of volunteer officers, 
I submit that it will work manifest injustice to the officers them-^ 
selves if the act is not amended. 

Alex. W. Randall. 



[69] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

' 1861. In Legislative Recess 

; ANOTHER CALL FOR TROOPS 

'On August 20, 1861, the Governor issued the following Pro- 
clamation : 

Executive Office, 
Madison, August 20th, 1861. 
To the Patriotic People of Wisconsin: 

I have this day received from the Secretary of War, a re- 
quest and authority to raise, in this State, Five additional regi- 
ments of Infantry Volunteers for three years, or the war, and 
Five Batteries of Artillery, over and above the 7th and 8th 
Regiments already accepted for service. The utmost prompti- 
tude is demanded in the organization of these forces, and I con- 
fidently rely upon the patriotism of the people of Wisconsin, 
who have so nobly responded to the calls thus far made upon 
them, and who have since the breaking out of the rebellion, per- 
sistently pressed their services upon the Government, to enable 
me to respond speedily to this new call. 

The regiments of Infantry will be composed as follows: 

Each regiment will consist of ten companies, and each coin- 
pany will be organized as follows: 



Minimum. 


Maximun 


1 Captain. 


1 Captain. 


1 First Lieutenant. 


1 First Lieutenant. 


1 Second Lieutenant. 


1 Second Lieutenant. 


1 First Sergeant. 


1 First Sergeant. 


4 Sergeants. 


4 Sergeants. 


8 Corporals. 


8 Corporals. 


2 Musicians. 


2 Musicians. 


1 Wagoner. 


1 Wagoner. 


64 Privates. 


82 Privates. 


83 Aggregate. 


101 Aggregate. 




[70] 



i86i] CALL FOR TROOPS 

Each Regiment will be organized as follows: 

Minimum 
S30 Company officers and enlisted men. 
1 Colonel. 

1 Lieutenant Colonel. 
1 Major. 

1 Adjutant (a Lieutenant). 
1 Regimental Quarter Master (a Lieut.). 
1 Assistant Surgeon. 
1 Sergeant Major. 

1 Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant. 
1 Regimental Commissary Sergeant. 

1 Hospital Steward. 

2 Principal Musicians. 
24 Musicians for Band. 

866 Aggregate. 

Maximiim 
1,010 Company officers and enlisted men. 
1 Colonel. 

1 Lieutenant Colonel. 
1 Major. 

1 Adjutant (a Lieutenant). 
1 Regimental Quarter Master (a Lieut.) 
1 Assistant Surgeon. 
1 Sergeant Major. 

1 Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant. 
1 Regimental Commissary Sergeant. 

1 Hospital Steward. 

2 Principal Musicians. 
24 Musicians for Band. 

1,046 Aggregate. 

Of the Five Regiments of Infantry, one will be composed of 
Germans, to be encamped at Milwaukee immediately. Special 
orders for the organization of this regiment, will be issued in a 
few da vs. 

[71] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

In order to ensure the early enlistment and organization of 
the other four regiments, all persons who have heretofore re- 
ceived commissions to enroll companies for the war, and all 
other parties who are engaged in enlisting companies, are in- 
vited and requested to report forthwith the number enlisted in 
their several companies. Whenever companies are reported, 
by reliable men, to be enlisted to the number of 40 able bodied 
men for the war, and their service tendered, they will be ac- 
cepted, and ordered to such rendezvous as may be designated,, 
to be mustered into the service of the United States, and there- 
after recruited till full. 

In many localities there are numbers of men who desire to 
enter into the military service, but who have no connection 
with any organization. To such persons information will be 
readily given, on application to this office, enabling them to 
realize their wishes. 

Company officers will be elected by the members of the several 
companies as soon as there are sixty men enlisted. 

The Five Artillery Companies will be organized as follows, 
to wit: To each 

Officers Men Horses 

Captain, 1 

Lieutenants,* 4 

Staff Sergeants,** 2 2 

Sergeants,*** 6 6 

Corporals,**** 12 

Artificers, 6 6 

Buglers, 2 2 

Drivers, 52 84 

Cannoneers, 70 

Spare Horses, 10 

5 150 110 
•Commanding Sections and Caissons. 
•*First Sergeant and Quartermaster Sergeant. 
***Chiefs of Pieces. 
****Gunners and Chiefs of Caissons, 

[72] 



i86i] CALL FOR TROOPS 

The Yfashington Artillery Co. of Milwaukee, C'apt. 
E. F. Hertzberg, and the La Crosse Artillery, Capt. J. F. Foster, 
are accepted as two of the companies to be raised, and, under 
special orders, will recruit immediately to the required number 
of men. We have a large number of trained artillerymen in 
this State, many of whom have already tendered their services 
to me in aid of the Government. Persons who can bring testi- 
monials as to their experience and ability to command batteries 
of artillery, are invited to communicate with this office forth- 
with. 

The following Companies, heretofore reported full for the 
war, are authorized to be placed at board and quarters in their 
respective localities at not to exceed 30 cents per day per man, 
and will hold themselves in readiness to move to the appointed 
rendezvous by the first of September at the latest. Such of 
them as are ready with 65 men previous to that date, will ad- 
vise this office of the fact forthwith, that arrangements may be 
made for their transportation and reception in camp: 

Wolf River Rifles, New London, Lieut. Hyde. 
Eau Claire Badgers, Eau Claire, Capt. Perkins. 

Bad Ax Volunteers, De Soto, Capt. . 

Kingston Guards, Prairie du Sac, Capt. Dennet. 
Lancaster Union Guards, Lancaster, Capt. Callis. 

Sheboygan County Independents, Greenbush, Capt, . 

Fox Lake Volunteer Rifles, Fox Lake, Capt. Dawes. 

Badger State Guards, Fennimore, Capt. Finnicum. 

Rough and Ready Guards, Fitchburg, Capt. Young. 

Sugar River Rifles, Belleville, Capt. Estee. 

Island City Guards, Neenah, Capt. Wheeler. 

Waterloo Rifles, Waterloo, Capt. Perry. 

Dixon Guards, Portage, Capt. Chrystie. 

Washington Rifles, Milwaukee, Capt. Orff. 

Janesville Fire Zouaves, Janesville, Capt. Britton. 

La Crosse County Rifles, La Crosse, Capt. Baker. 

Crawford County Volunteers, Prairie du Chien, Capt. Green. 



[73] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and 
caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed this 20th day 
of August, A. D. 1861. 

By the Governor, 

Alex. W. Randall. 
Edward Ilsley, Assistant Sec'y of State. 



WISCONSIN MEN FOR WISCONSIN REGIMENTS 

The following Proclamation issued by the Governor on Oct- 
ober 3, 1861, was intended to keep Wisconsin volunteers for Wis- 
consin regiments: 

Proclamation 

It has become necessary that some measures should be taken 
to prevent, so far as is possible, the enlistm'ent in this State of 
recruits for companies and regiments in other states. The 
enlistment of the citizen soldier is a voluntary act; but when 
the disposition is to depart from the limits of his own state to 
join organizations in other states, it should be restrained by a 
consideration of the duty due to the name and reputation of 
the state of his residence. Until some restraint can be placed 
upon the wholesale recruiting in progress in Wisconsin for other 
states, we cannot know the number of soldiers which this State 
furnishes for the war. 

It is my duty to warn all citizens of Wisconsin, that by en- 
listments in organizations outside of this State, they lose all 
right to participate in the benefits of our liberal Volunteer Aid 
Law,^^ and also the benefit of whatever care for her citizen sol- 



55 The Volunteer Aid Law provided for the payment of $5, in ad- 
dition to regular pay, to Wisconsin volunteers having families de- 
pendent upon them. The law was repeatedly amended, either limiting 
or enlarging its scope. Eventually its benefits were extended to Co. 
G, Berdan's Sharpshooters, and Van Deutsch's Cavalry, troops that had 

[74] 



j86i] thanksgiving 

diers the State authorities can extend over their welfare ; and I 
hereby make public notice, that henceforward no recruiting 
officer, for organizations out of this State, will be allowed to 
recruit soldiers for such foreign organizations, always except- 
ing the duly authorized recruiting officers for the United States 
regular service. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused 
the Great Seal of the State to be affixed, this 3d day of October, 

A. D. 1861. 

By the Governor, 

Alex. W. Randall. 

Edward Ilsley, Assistant Sec'y of State. 



THANKSGIVING DAY PROCLAMATION 

Proclamation 

Time has spent another of its years, and an honored custom 
calls again for its day of devout thanksgiving. 

The year just past has been marvellous for its fruits of good 
^nd of evil. 

A wise God, who makes, and rules, and uses and destroys 
governments and nations and peoples at His will, is trying the 
cords, that for more than three quarters of a century, have 
bound this people together. In the midst of the most abundant 
prosperity; while art and science and education and a true 
Religion were flourishing, and scattering their blessings all 
abroad ; right when our Nation had grown richest and strongest 
and greatest, a wicked treason upraised its head and sought to 
destroy all that was venerable and sacred and wise and good 
among the American people. 



been raised in Wisconsin but were not fighting under Wisconsin colors. 
The total amount paid to families of volunteers under the provisions 
of this law, from the beginning of the war to Sept. 30, 1865, amounted 
to $2,545,873.28.— Ed. 

[75] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [i86i~ 

With a firm reliance upon God's long-suffering and forbear- 
ance, and upon his just judgments the majestic power of the- 
nation is now manifested, and it will crush out that treason, 
that it shall be known henceforth only in ignoble history. 

The enemies of a true liberty will not be suffered to prevail. 

"They have broken a solemn covenant, and the hand of a 
righteous anger shall smite them." 

"The cities of the South shall be shut up, and none shall 
open them." 

"Lift up your eyes and behold them that come from the 
North ; where is the flock that was given thee — thy beautiful 
flock?" 

"What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? (for thou 
hast taught them to be captains and as chief over thee) : shall 
not sorrows take thee as a woman in travail?" 

"Hear, Earth: Behold I will bring evil upon this people, 
even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not barkened 
unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it." "I will scatter 
them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wil- 
derness. " 

"To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, 
■'nd the sweet cane from a far country? Your burnt offerings 
are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me." 

"But this people hath a revolting and rebellious heart; they 
are revolters and gone." 

"They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders; they 
are brass and iron; they are all corruptors. " 

"Therefore thus saith the Lord: Behold, I will lay stumbling 
blocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together 
shall fall upon them; the neighbor and his friend shall perish." 

' ' Thus saith the Lord, Behold, a people cometh from the north 
country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the 
earth." "They shall lay hold on bow and spear; their voice 
roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses set in array as 
men for war." 



[76] 



i86i] THANKSGIVING 

Amid these great evils nature is steadfast, honest and true. 
She unlocks her granaries; she gives to the laborer his hire. 
The husbandman reaps his reward tenfold and an hundredfold. 
While riot and rage exhaust the wicked, the sun shines, the 
rains fall, the dews descend, and the glad earth yields its 
increase to feed, and nourish, and bless mankind. 

The blessings of the Great Father are still unnumbered, and 
his mercies ever tender. 

Solemnly, notwithstanding great national trials and afflictions, 
let the people give thanks. For the best and wisest Government 
the civilized world ever saw — a Governm'ent rocked but not over- 
turned — let the people give thanks. The harvests are great, 
and there is no famine in the land ; let the people give thanks. 
There has been no pestilence ; in health and prosperity we have 
lived; let the people give thanks. While men are learning the 
arts of war, they are not forgetting the arts of peace. Trusting 
that this great nation may again become a united, loyal, Consti- 
tution-loving, law-loving, liberty-loving people, and that mater- 
ial prosperity, education and Christianity may prevail; in the 
temples, around the firesides, at the feasts and everywhere, 
remembering with kindness the afflicted, and with charity the 
poor, and above all remembering the wives and children of the 
l3rave men who, with their lives in their hands, have gone to 
fight our battles for us: let all the people, with thanksgiving, 
praise Him. 

Thereunto I, Alexander W. Randall, Governor of the State 
•of Wisconsin, do appoint Thursday, the 28th day of November 
next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Prayer and Praise to Al- 
mighty God; and I recommend to the good people of the State 
that they abstain, on that day, from their ordinary occupations, 
and, gathering in appropriate places of worship, that they unite 
in expressions of gratitude to God, and in invoking His aid to 
restore peace and concord to our distracted country. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused 
the Great Seal of the State to be affixed, at Madison, this 28th 

[77] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1861- 

day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight 
hundred and sixty-one. 

By the Governor, 

Alex. W. Randall. 
L. P. Harvey, Secretary of State.. 



NO ADDITIONAL REGIMENTS NEEDED 

Madison, Nov. 26, 1861. 
Notice is hereby given to all persons who have been com- 
missioned with authority to recruit companies for the volunteer 
service, with or without expense to the State, that by instruc- 
tions from the War Department, the eighteen regiments of in- 
fantry called for from this State, will complete the troops of 
that arm of the service needed by Government for the present. 
Fourteen of these regiments are full. There remain only the 
following regiments of infantry authorized to be raised by the 
State authorities, to wit: 

Fifteenth, (Col. Heg) Scandinavian, of which some 600 men are sup- 
posed to be enlisted. 

Sixteenth, (Col. Allen) full except two companies, and those condi- 
tionally assigned. 

Seventeenth, (Col. Doran) Irish, the condition of which is not at 
present known. 

Eighteenth, (Col. Alban). No companies yet assigned. 

Many fractions of companies have been accepted having been 
raised to forty men and placed at board and quarters but not 
yet reported full, and the object of this proclamation is to call 
the attention of all persons engaged in raising Companies to 
the necessity of immediate consolidation with other fractional 
companies iii order that they may be reported full and assigned 
to regiments. No company will be assigned except upon posi- 
tive evidence that it has at least eighty-three men actually sworm 
into the State service, and ready to be brought to Camp. 

[7S] 



i86i] RECRUITING STOPPED 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused 

the Great Seal of the State to be affixed at Madison, this 26th 

day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight 

hundred and sixty-one. 

By the Governor, 

Butler G. Noble, 

[Lieutenant-Governor'] 

Louis P. Harvey, Secretary of State. 



[79] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL L1862- 



1862. Fifteenth Annual Legislative Session, January 8- 

April 7 

EXPENDITURE OF WAR FUNDS 

Form'er Governor Randall made the following report to the 
Legislature of his stewardship of the war funds during his ad- 
ministration : 

Executive Office, 
Madison, January 14, 1862. 
Hon. J. W. Bearclsley, Speaker, House of Assembly: 

I herewith transmit to the Legislature my account of expendi- 
ture of war funds, wath my report, w^hich please lay before the 
assembly. 

Very Respectfully, 

Alex. W. Randall. 



Madison, Wisconsin, Jan. 6, 1862. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

At the close of the last session of the Legislature an act was 
passed entitled "an act to provide for the defence of the State, 
and to aid in enforcing the laws and maintaining the authority 
of the Federal Government."^® 

The act made it my duty, in case a call was made by the Presi- 
dent of the United States upon this State, to aid in maintaining 
the Union and the supremacy of the laws, or to suppress rebellion 
or insurrection ; or to repel invasion within the United States, to 
take such measures as, in my judgment, should provide in the 
speediest and most efficient manner for responding to such call. I 
was authorized to accept the services of volunteers for active 
service, to be enrolled in companies and in regiments, and to 



56 See Wis. Gen. Laws, 1861, chaps. 239, 307.— Ed. 

[80] 



i862] EXPENDITURE OF WAR FUNDS 

-com'mission officers for the same. I was also authorized to con- 
tract with responsible parties for uniforms for such of the vol- 
unteers as were not provided therewith, and for such other 
equipments as were necessary and proper for putting such com- 
panies in condition for active service. 

The sum of two hundred thousand dollars was appropriated 
^'for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this 
act, and to defray the expense of transporting troops, and of 
procuring and transporting anus and munitions of war, to be 
drawn on my warrant as occasion might require." For the ex- 
penditure of this money, I was required to file vouchers in the 
office of the Secretary of State, and to make report to the (then) 
next Legislature. 

I now make the report, and upon its presentation the vouchers 
will be found filed in the office of the Secretary of State. 

The sum of two thousand five hundred dollars was, by the act 
above referred to, appropriated to the Governor of the State for 
his contingent expenses as Commander-in-Chief, to be drawn on 
his warrant, as occasion might require, at his discretion. 

To reimburse the Treasury, bonds of one thousand dollars 
each, to the number of two hundred, were authorized to be issued 
by the Governor and sold by him, at not less than par value; 
the money arising from the sale of such bonds to be deposited 
with the State Treasurer, and to be used only for the purposes 
contemplated by the act. Only thirteen of those bonds have 
been sold, the balance remaining in the Treasury.^^ Upon the 
thirteen bonds sold was realized the sum of thirteen thousand 
and seven dollars and fifty cents, which sum was paid into the 
Treasury of the State. 



" Twenty-six bonds were eventually disposed of, most of them in 
payment of claims against the State. The failure of the Governor to 
negotiate the remainder was due to the provision in the act forbidding 
itheir sale at less than par. In the later act, providing for a million- 
dollar bond issue, the loan commissioners were authorized to dispose 
of the bonds on the most favorable terms which in their judgment 
could be obtained. — Ed. 

6 [8i] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1862- 

Of the sum of two hundred thousand dollars so appropriated, 
a balance of fourteen thousand two hundred and twelve dollars 
and seventy- five cents remains undrawn in the Treasury. The 
accompanying statement, marked "A", shows the amount of 
this fund drawn by me, and for what purposes, except that 
portion drawn on my warrants for the Paymaster General, 
Quartermaster General, and Commissary General, which did not 
pass through my hands, and which is accounted for by them re- 
spectively. 

Of the sum of 40,506.40 draAvn by me, and for the disburse- 
ment of which I am directly chargeable, the sum of seventeen 
thousand seven hundred and forty-nine dollars and forty cents 
was drawn on account of James Holton, Esq., Ass't. Quarter- 
master General in Milwaukee, and accounted for by 

him $17,749.40 

One thousand dollars advanced to contractors for 
subsistence of troops at Camp Randall and de- 
ducted on settlement 1 1,000.00 

Cash paid draft for purchase of blankets 8,880.00 

Cash paid Commissioners to purchase arms 600.00 

Cash advanced to E. R. "Wadsworth, Commissary 

General, and accounted for by him 200.00 



$28,429.40 

The balance of twelve thousand and seventy-seven dollars is 
fully accounted for in the exhibit marked "A", above referred 
to, with the vouchers on tile awaiting inspection. 

The item of $221.50 paid to J. W. Polleys for services and 
expenses, is more properly chargeable to the appropriation of 
the ten thousand dollars extraordinary expenditure fund, made 
at the extra session of the Legislature, although it makes no dif- 
ference with the gross amount of the expenditures. 

At the extra session of the Legislature in May last, in order 
to meet public exigencies, an act appropriating one million of 
dollars was passed, and bonds authorized to be issued for that 

[82] 



i862] EXPENDITURE OF WAR FUNDS 

amount, and to be sold by the Governor, Secretary of State, and 
State Treasurer."'^ The money realized upon such sale to be 
paid into the State Treasury. There remains unsold of these 
bonds, about $85,000, as I am informed by the State Treasurer.^^ 
The law provided that this money should be drawn upon the 
warrants of the Secretary of State in favor of the Paymaster 
upon monthly estimates made and certified by the Paymaster 
and Governor, and filed with the Secretary of State, of moneys 
due to the State troops, and other necessary expenses required 
to be paid for military purposes, under the provisions of the 
act, not including amounts necessary for the purchase of arms 
and munitions of war. 

With the disbursement of this money, with the exception of 
ten thousand dollars specifically appropriated, I had nothing 
to do. 

An act approved ]May 25, 1861, provides as follows: "The 
Governor is hereby authorized and empowered to employ such 
aids, clerks and messengers as the public interest may require, 
and allow them such reasonable compensation for their services 
and expenses as in his judgment they shall be entitled to re- 
ceive and en the requisition of the Governor, the Secretary of 
State shall draw his warrant on the Treasury for the amount 
so required by the Governor, to be paid out of the War Fund, 
not to exceed in the aggregate ten thousand dollars."^" 

The accompanying statement marked "B", shows to whom 
this money was paid and for what purposes. The receipts, cer- 
tificates and vouchers are on file for examination, with the re- 



f'S See Wis. Gen. Latvs. ex. sess., 1S61, chap. 13. — Ed. 

59 The negotiation of these bonds was investigated by a joint com- 
mittee of the Legislature. Its report is a harsh criticism directed 
against Governor Randall and his associates on the loan commission. 
See Wis. Sen. Jour., 1SG2, ii, p. 1005 ££; for the minority report of the 
committee see Ihid. p. 1141 ff. — Ed. 

«" See Wis. Gen. Laivs, ex. sess., 1861, chap. 3. — Ed. 



83 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1862- 

"ports of agents to whom any considerable sums were entrusted, 
^showing in detail tlie manner and objects of the expenditures. 

I invite a careful and candid scrutiny of the disposition of 
ithis Fund, and desire that each of the persons employed be 
summoned before your committees of investigation, to testify 
as to the agencies in which they were employed, and the pur- 
poses of those agencies ; as to the moneys entrusted to them, and 
what they did with such moneys. These agents are all or nearly 
all wnthin reach, and will most readily respond to such a call. I 
ask then that their testimony be published with this report, 
with either the approval or the condemnation of the Legislature. 
I ask this as an act of justice to myself, because the disposition 
of some portion of this money has been condemned without a 
full understanding, and I desire the people of the State, with a 
full knowledge of all the facts, to pass judgment upon it.®^ W. H. 
Watson, Esq., who has been my private Secretary, and who is 
the private Secretary of Gov. Harvey, will, at all times, give any 
information or explanation. Many of the men employed are 
among the most respectable and responsible m'en in the State, 
and I believe they have all been honest and faithful in the dis- 
charge of their trusts. 

It is due to the Legislature and the people that I make some 
explanation — not excuses — for the manner in which the public 
business has been conducted by myself and by those in subor- 
dinate departments under my direction. 

When this war broke out and the State was called upon by 
the President for aid, there were no military forces in the state 
organized and liable to be called upon for actual service. The 
few arms which had been distributed to the state by the Fed- 
eral Government were scattered over the state. We had no 
military organization, and so far as was known to the authori- 



61 The joint committee of the Legislature, appointed to examine into 
the negotiation of the million-dollar bond issue, investigated also the 
conduct of the State agents. Its report is very hostile; see Wis. Sen. 
'Jour., 1862, ii, p. 1022 ff, also p. 1153 ff.— Ed. 

[84] 



i862] EXPENDITURE OF WAR FUNDS 

ties, no experienced military men in the state. For three suc- 
cessive years I had asked the Legislature to provide some kind o£ 
an organization, to the end that although not a military people, 
there might be some military education in the state. The Legis- 
lature judged this to be unnecessary, and it was not done. The 
state authorities were suddenly called upon to organize and 
uniform and equip large military forces for active service. The 
General Government had issued no specific instructions as to 
the manner in which this work was to be done. We had no 
system, and labored constantly under difficulties and embarrass- 
ments at a great distance from the seat of government. Wliile 
supporting large bodies of men, to save time was to save money. 
My experience was like the experience of the executives of other 
states, and like them I was compelled to send messengers fre- 
quently to Washington. It was the surest, the quickest and 
only effectual mode of transacting any important business with, 
the Departments. The experience of Treasurer Hastings and 
others will bear this witness. I judged this the best course to 
take and adopted it. What was effected by these messengers 
proved that I acted wisely. A part of the ten thousand dollars 
was appropriated for this purpose and so used. 

The insufficient accommodations for transporting large bodies 
of men, and large military stores, except upon the direct lines 
of railroads, and the want of experience in the care of soldiers, 
both well and sick, induced me to adopt the plan of sending 
with our regiments agents, whose business it should be to seief 
that our neighbors who had volunteered to fight for us, should 
not suffer for want of care, in case of accident or sickness. The 
precaution was a wise one, if it is wise or right to take care of 
sick and suffering men. While some of our regiments reached 
the seat of war without accident and without serious sickness, 
and so required no especial attention or expense, some of the 
soldiers in many of them were left on the way and but for the 
care and attendance of these agents would have died. The sick 
soldiers left at Elmira and Harrisburg and Baltimore, who 
were cooked for and washed for and attended upon day after 

[85] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1862- 

day and night after night by Sanders and Hurlbut and Hill 
and others, and the sick men brought home to their families and 
friends by Fairchild, received relief worth the whole amount 
expended and more. While all the agents may not have been 
well chosen, I conceived the course a wise one. It was for such 
purposes that other portions of the ten thousand dollars were 
used. This course has been adopted by many of the other States, 
and has received not only the commendation of the authorities 
of those states, but the commendation of the Secretary of War, 
who complimented Wisconsin for inaugurating the system, and 
for the interest manifested for the welfare of her soldiers. My 
only regret is, that I had so little means at my command to de- 
vote to such uses. In the movements of our regiments, large 
amounts of clothing and other State and Government property 
have been taken care of by these agents, which otherwise would 
have been lost or destroyed, in value far greater than the whole 
amount expended. The policy ought to be continued. 

The Legislature, when the first call was made upon the States 
for aid, did not anticipate what has since followed. It was 
supposed that not more than six or eight Regiments would be 
required from the State, and made provision only for that, 
while nearly if not quite twenty thousand men have been mus- 
tered into the United States service. It is the universal testi- 
mony wherever the Wisconsin Regim'ents have gone, and along 
the routes over which they have passed, that no better troops 
can be found, and that none have been better uniformed or 
equipped, or provided for, than those from this State, and I be- 
lieve that the closest examination will show that in the Pay- 
master's, and Quartermaster's and Commissary's Departments, 
every effort has been made to save the State expense and loss. 

Many expenses have been incurred not authorized by army 
regulations, because for a long time we did not know what the 
army regulations were. Some expenses have been incurred and 
money paid by the Paymaster, Quartermaster and Commissary 
that I knew were not according to army regulations, under my 
direction, because I did not wish" to see our soldiers, unused to 

[86] 



i862] EXPENDITURE OF WAR FUNDS 

the hardships of camp' life, and going from comfortable and 
pleasant homes, suffer or die according to strict military rule. 

These soldiers help pay the expense as well as fight the bat- 
tles, and I have directed a few newspapers to be sent to each, 
company. To provide against necessity or accident, a few ex- 
tra blankets, and a few extra pairs of shoes, and a few ex- 
tra uniforms have been sent forward with each regiment. I 
have audited and ordered paid some small bills of officers, made 
under misunderstanding of army rules, and have paid some 
small bills for injuries done to the property of citizens by bands 
of soldiers, rather than have regiments delayed at the expense 
of hundreds of dollars, growing out of threatened controversies. 
Knowing that soldiers who drill eight hours in the day cannot 
w^ell perform much other labor, and to enable them to perfect 
themselves as fast as possible in the discipline and duties of 
soldiers, I have relieved them as far as possible from 
other labors in camp, and endeavored to make them forget 
their privations by supplying their wants. If more means had 
been at my disposal, I should have expended more upon them. 

As required by law, I fixed the compensation of the Quarter- 
master General, Paymaster General, Inspector General, Adju- 
tant General, Commissary General, their assistants and clerks. 
After seeing the great amount of labor they performed, and the 
pay adopted in other States, and upon consultation with the 
United States Assistant Quartermaster, I increased their com- 
pensation, keeping within the rule prescribed by the act, adopt- 
ing the rule of paying men for well doing what their services 
were worth. These officers all desire that the Legislature should 
investigate their acts. 

The policy of experimenting with soldiers to ascertain how 
little they can live upon, or how hard fare, and how extreme 
privations they can endure, and escape sickness or death, is the 
policy of all time, and its result has been with all armies and in 
all nations, that more men die in camp than are slain in battle. 
I believe this rebellion is to be atoned for in blood, and that the 
business of an army is to fight, and that, therefore, that course 

[87] 



GOVERNOR RANDALL [1862- 

which will most husband the strength and preserve the health 
of the soldier until the day of battle, is the wisest and best. 

Respectfully, 

Alex, W. Randall. 



[88] 




Governor Louis P. Harvey 
From a photograph taken during the War 



^2] SKETCH OF GOVERNOR HARVEY 



1862. Louis Powell Harvev 

Biographical Sketch 

Louis Powell Harvey, the seventh Governor of Wisconsin, 
was born July 22, 1820, at East Haddam, Connecticut. In 
1828 the family moved to Strongsville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. 
Here Louis prepared himself for college, and earned 
money to support himself therein. In 1837 he entered Western 
Reserve College at Hudson, and remained there two years, when 
he was compelled by ill-health to leave. Subsequently he taught 
in an academy at Nieholasville, Kentucky, and in Woodward 
College, Cincinnati. He was a Whig speaker in Ohio, in the 
Harrison campaign of 1840. 

Harvey came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1841 and settled at 
Southport (now Kenosha), where he took charge of the South- 
port Academy. In 1843 he added to his teaching the editorship 
of the Southport American, a Whig paper, and continued there- 
with until 1846. During this time he was prominent in local 
affairs and held various public offices, among them that of post- 
master. 

In 1847 he married Cordelia A. Perrine, a native of Barre, 
Orleans County, New York, and the same year moved to Clinton, 
Rock County, Wisconsin, w^here he opened a store. That aut- 
umn he was elected a delegate from Rock County to the Sec- 
ond Constitutional Convention. In the Convention he was es- 
pecially active and aided in drafting the provisions of the Con- 
stitution which established the school system of the State. 

Another change of residence was made in 1851, when he 
moved to Waterloo, now Shopiere, in Rock County. Here he 
continued in business, and in addition to keeping a store oper- 
ated a flour mill. 

[89] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1^62- 

At the election of 1853, Harvey was chosen State senator from 
the southern district of Kock County, being re-elected in 1855. 
During the years covered by his two terms when corruption 
was rampant in the Legislature, his honesty and integrity were 
never questioned. He now became active in the Republican 
party, and at different times was mentioned as candidate for 
Congressman, Governor, and United States Senator. 

In 1859, Harvey was elected Secretary of State. He was al- 
ways deeply interested in education, and as an ex-officio regent 
was an active friend of the University of Wisconsin. In 
1861 he was nominated for Governor by both the Union and 
Republican conventions, and was elected by a large majority. 
Inaugurated on January 6, 1862, he performed the trying duties 
of his office with devotion and energy until his tragic death on 
April 19. 

The Wisconsin troops at the Battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 
suffered severely. As soon as this fact was known in Madison, 
the Governor sent out an urgent call for supplies for the relief 
of the wounded, and announced that he would himself take 
them to the hospitals and see that everything possible was done 
for the sufferers. He started on April 10. His mission was 
successful both in securing care and attention for the wounded 
Wisconsin soldiers, and in cheering them by his presence and 
sympathy. 

His work ended, he prepared on April 19 to leave Savannah 
(ten miles below Pittsburgh Landing) for Cairo, on the steamer 
"January," She arrived too early in the evening, however, 
and the Governor and his party went on board the "Dunleith," 
which was lying there to wait for the "Minnehaha," expected 
the following morning. She came, however, late in the evening. 
The Governor and his party were called, and as she rounded to 
were standing on the deck of the "Dunleith." As the bow of 
the "Minnehaha" came near, the Governor moved, apparently 
to get out of the way, and making a misstep fell overboard be- 
tween the two boats. Everyone, both friends and strangers, 
made the utmost efforts to save him ; but the night was dark and 

[90] 



i862] BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

rainy, and the current strong, and he was quickly borne down 
stream, where no aid could reach him. His body was found 
some days later about sixty miles down the river, and was 
brought to Madison, where it was buried with imposing cere- 
monies. 

After his death ^Irs. Harvey, a woman of unusual energy and 
ability, devoted herself to work in the hospitals, as State agent, 
and exerted a national influence for needed army reforms. 
She subsequently married Kev. Arthur T. Chester of Buffalo, 
New York, and died February 27, 1895, at Clinton, Wisconsin. 
Her remains were buried in Madison. 



[91} 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1862- 



1882. Fifteenth Annual Legislative Session, January 8- 

• April 7 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention 
on January 10, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

of which we present only those portions having reference to the 
war and Wisconsin's participation therein: 

Felloiv Citizens of the Senate and Assembly: 

The circumstances under which w^e meet can scarcely fail to 
impress especial awe of the responsibilities assumed with our 
respective trusts. Grave duties are to be discharged amid ex- 
traordinary difficulties, while unusual importance attaches to 
the m.anner of their discharge. The management of the inter- 
ests confided to us will be watched hy our constituents with 
eager solicitude. 

Fortunately, the independent action of the people in the late 
election, permits to their representatives an unusual freedom to 
accept the guidance of personal convictions of duty upon all 
measures of public policy. 

No previous Legislature has convened under equal incentives 
to a disinterested zeal in the public service. The occasion pleads 
with you in rebuke of all the meaner passions — admonishing to 
the exercise of a conscientious patriotism, becoming the represen- 
tative of a Christian people, called, in God's providence, to pass 
through the furnace of a great trial of their virtue, and of the 
strength of their government. 



[92] 



18^2] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

WAR FUND.^- 

Transactions in the War Fund created by chapters 239 and 
307 of the acts passed by the last Legislature, at the regular 
session, and chapter 13 of the acts passed at the special session, 
are as follows :^^ 

RECEIPTS 

From sale of bonds of the $200,000 issue $13,007 50 

From sale of bonds of the $1,000,000 issue 646,590 00 

From United States, 40 per cent of State's claim for 

expenses on first six Regiments 205 , 000 00 

From United States for subsistence of 1st Regiment 3,531 00 

From United States, Quarter-Master's bills, audited and 

paid Dec. 31st, 1861 88,320 23 

From Monroe Co. Bank, one per cent on $42,000 bonds 420 00 



$957,368 79 



DISBURSEMENTS 

To A. W. Randall, Governor, on appropriations by chapter 

307, regular session, and chapter 13, special session $200,668 39 

To Simeon Mills, paymaster 650,748 51 

For expenses of special session 8,256 79 

For extra pay to volunteers and their families 34,480 17 

To discharged volunteers 1 , 169 97 

For printing and advertising 10.357 76 

For postage, clerk hire, and gas bills 1,460 11 

Balance on hand Jan. 1st, 1862 50,227 09 

Total disbursements and balance $957,368 79 



62 Detailed accounts of the receipts and expenditures of the war and 
other funds may be found in the reports of the Secretary of State and 
State Treasurer; see Wis. Mess, and Docs. — Ed. 

63 Wis. Gen. Laws. 1861, chans. 239, 307, authorized an appropriation 
of $200,000 for equipping troops. Id, ex. sess., 1861, chap. 13, au- 
thorized a loan of $1,000,000 for war purposes. — Ed, 

[93] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY 



[1862- 



Vouchers have been filed in the Secretary of State's office by 
the Paymaster General of the State, for the expenditure of 
$820,526.43; the accounts audited directly by the Secretary of 
State amount to $55,724.80 — the remaining $30,890.47 includes : 
Military Contingent Fund, $2,500; appropriation of $10,000.0(> 
for Extraordinary Expenses, and certain expenditures directly 
by the Governor, for which vouchers will be presented to the 
Legislature with the report shortly to be made by my prede- 
cessor. 

Wisconsin furnished to the service of the General Govern- 
ment, under the call for volunteers for three months, one regi- 
ment — the First Wisconsin, Col. J. C. Starkweather. This regi- 
ment — ^numbering 810 men — left Milwaukee the 9th day of 
June last, and returned, and was mustered from the service, 
August 17th. A portion of this Regiment played a distingnished 
part in the engagement at Falling Waters, Virginia.^* 

Under the call for volunteers for three years, or the war, Wis- 
consin has now in the field ten regiments, as follows: 



Number of Officers, 

No. Colonel Commanding. Left the State. Destination. Musicians & Privates. 

2nd. S. Park Coon. June 20. Washington. 10G2 

3rd. C. S. Hamilton. July 12. Harper's Ferry, Va. 979 

4th. Halbert E. Paine. July 15. Washington. 105.3 

5th. Amasa Cobb. July 24. Washington. 1057 

6th. Lysander Cutler. July 28. Washington. 1083 

7th. Joseph Van Dor. Sept. 21. Washington. 1016 

8th. R. C. Murphy. Oct. 12. St. Louis, Mo. 966 

10th. A. R. Chapin. Nov. 9. Louisville, Ky. 908 

*lst. J. C. Starkweather. Oct. 28. Louisville, Ky. 947 

11th. C. L. Harris. Nov. 20. St. Louis, Mo. 1046 



Total 10, 117 

There are now organized in camp and aAvaiting orders, the 
following regiments: 



ei July 2, 1861.- 
* Reorganized. 



-Ed. 



94 



i862] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

yth, Frederick Salomon, Camp Sigel, Milwaukee 940 

12th, Geo. E. Bryant, Camp Randall, Madison 1039 

13th, M. Malony, Camp Tredway, Janesville 919 

14th, D. E. Wood, Camp Wood, Fond du Lac 859 

Total 3,757 

The 15tli, or Scandinavian Regiment, Col. H. C. Heg, 700 
men, and the 16th, Col. Benj. Allen, 900 men, are also at Camp 
Randall, in near readiness for marching orders. The 17th 
(Irish) Regiment, Col. J. L. Doran, and the 18th, Col. James S. 
Alban, have their full number of companies in readiness, lack- 
ing one, and are notified to go into camp — the former at Madi- 
son, and the latter at Milwaukee. These companies are not all 
full, but will muster 1400 men. Seven companies of artillery, 
numbering together 1050 men, have long remained in Camp 
TJtley, Racine, impatient of the delays of Government in calling 
them to move forward. Three additional companies of artillery 
are about going into camp, numbering 334 men. Besides these, 
the State has furnished an independent company of cavalry, now 
in Missouri, raised by Capt. Van Deutsch, 81 men ; a company of 
104 men for Berdan's sharpshooters; and an additional company 
for the 2d regiment, of about 80 men. Three regiments of 
cavalry — the 1st, Col. E. Daniels; the 2d, Col. C. C. "Washburn; 
and the 3d, Col. "W. A. Barstow, are being organized, and num- 
ber, together, 2450 men. A 19th (Independent) regiment is 
being rapidly organized under direction of the Government, by 
Col. H. T. Sanders, Racine. Not calculating for this last, the 
State has furnished, and has organizing, 20,973, or adding for 
the 1st, in the three months service, 21,783 men. 

The incomplete regiments are being rapidly filled, and when 
filled, as they shortly will be, to the average number with which 
our regiments have left the State, and adding the 19th infantry, 
of which no estimate has been included above, the number of 
volunteers from Wisconsin in the United States service will be 
full 24,800. 

[95] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1^62- 

No State has furnished better material for soldiers than Wis- 
consin. Her regiments have been filled by men who worthily 
represent the intelligence and loyalty of her people. Universal 
testimony agrees that no troops have taken the field better pro- 
vided in all respects; and it is believed that by no other State 
in the union has a like service been performed at a less expense. 

The expenses of recruiting, organizing, uniforming, paying 
and forwarding these regiments, thus far, have been — 

In Quartermaster General's Department ^1,189,120 20 

In Commissary General's Department 167,107 40 

In Paymaster General's Department, on pay rolls of the 

regiments 213,827 02 

$1,570,054 62 

Add for war expenses audited by Secretary of State 55,724 80 

Expended by the Governor 30 , 890 47 

Total war expenses $1,656,659 98 

This includes the liabilities of the Quartermaster General's 
office for uniforms, and everything furnished, or to be furnished, 
by that department, for eighteen regiments of infantry, one of 
artillery, and one of cavalry, with all articles supplied the 1st 
and 3d cavalry. 

As nearly as can now be ascertained, the liabilities of the 
State stand as follows: 

Total expenses, as above $1,656,659 98 

Payments by State Paymaster General $820,526 43 

Payments of acc'ts audited by Secretary of 

State 55,724 80 

Payments by the Governor 30,890 47 

Payments by U. S. Paymaster, direct on Quarter- 
master's contracts 387,765 78 

Do. do. on Commissary's bills 18,743 78 

1,313,651 28 

Present liabilities of the State $343,008 63 

[96] 



^^^2] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

Some further allowance — not, as is believed, to exceed $30,000 
— should be made for salaries due to members of the Governor's 
military staff, the Assistant Surgeons sent by the State with her 
regiments, and wages due to agents and employees in one serv- 
ice or another connected with our military operations. 

The General Government having assumed all further responsi- 
bility of providing for our volunteers, within as without the 
State, the services of many persons nov/ in the employ of the 
State can be dispensed with. Provision should at once be made 
of means to settle their claims of wages or salaries. 

Provision should also be made to continue the payment of the 
aid pledged by chapter 8 of the acts of the special session, to 
families of volunteers ; and all volunteers from the State should 
be held in equal regard, in whatever branch of the service they 
may have enlisted. A special tax or temporary loan may be 
necessary. Action on this matter should be taken at once, or 
much complaint and suffering may be the result. The statute 
also requires amending in details, to the end that the State be 
better protected against abuse of its provisions. Especially 
should heavy penalties be enacted against justices making false 
certificates.^'' 

GOVERNMENT TAX 

By an act of Congress, passed on the 5th day of August last, a 
direct tax of twenty millions of dollars is annually laid upon 
the United States. To the State of Wisconsin there is appor- 
tioned of said tax the sum of $519,688.67; which is 00.3312 upon 
the dollar of the present valuation of real property in the State. 
The law of Congress further provides that the tax "shall be 
assessed and laid on the value of all land and lots of ground, 
vrith their improvements and dv^^ellings. " It follows that, if 



fis Wis. Gen. Laics, 1862, chaps, 112, 374, established safeguards in 
the administration of the Volunteer Aid Law. No provision was made 
for procuring the necessary funds, however, and a great deal of suffer- 
ing ensued. See Governor Harvey's message, Feb. 18, 1862, post. — Ed. 

7 [97] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1862- 

this tax is to be collected by the United States, personal property 
will escape altogether. It is provided that any state may assume 
to assess and pay its quota in its own way and manner, and a 
deduction of fifteen per centum will be made for expenses of 
assessment and collection. The advantages to be derived by the 
State from assuming and paying its quota of this tax are, the 
large per centage of discount offered, and the opportunity of 
providing that all the property of the State bear its just pro- 
portion of the burden. In a new state like ours, however, so 
large a portion of taxes remain impaid upon delinquent lands, 
that the State can scarcely afford to pay this whole tax in money, 
and hold these lands for redemption. 

I would recommend that the Governor be authorized to liqui- 
date the tax by offset of claims of the State against the United 
States, to the amount for which allowance can be obtained on 
such claims, beycnd provision for existing liabilities against the 
State. Otherwise, that the tax be left for collection by the 
United States.^^ 

soldiers' allotments of pay 

A law has recently been passed by Congress, and approved 
by the President, providing for the appointment, hy the Presi- 
dent, of not exceeding three persons for each State having vol- 
unteers in the United States service, who shall be authorized by 
their commissions, to visit the regiments from their respective 
States, and receive from the volunteers, ''from time to time 
their respective allotments of pay to their families or friends." 
The second section of said act provides "that such commission- 
ers shall receive no pay or emolument whatever, from the Treas- 
ury of the United States." The propriety of providing that 
appointments of so important a character, and of such a nature, 



66 The necessary authority was given to the Governor, and the tax, 
amounting originally to $519,688.66 — but reduced fifteen percent on 
account of having the vouchers in at the proper time — was liquidated 
by offset of the claims of the State against the United States. — Ed. 

[98] 



^862] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

shall be made by the President of the United States, while they 
are to be paid by the States for their services, may justly be 
questioned. Of the necessity of some provision, under proper 
safeguards, by which the volunteers may be enabled, at 
stated times, to send their earnings to their families, there can 
he no question; and-means should be set aside for the expenses 
of such persons as may be commissioned to attend to this im- 
portant duty.®^ 
******** 

OP TAXATION 

■# ^ 4^ ^ tV" tP ^ * 

Apprehensions have been expressed of the effect upon public 
•sentiment, regarding the administration and the war, of an at- 
tempt to collect the real estate and income taxes — together 
amounting to possibly $700,000 — for which the General Govern- 
ment, in its need, calls upon this State. All such apprehensions 
are unjust. The loyal people of Wisconsin do not value prop- 
erty, or even life itself, weighed against the existence of the 
Government which has so long blessed and protected them in 
both. It may serve a good purpose, however, to show that the 
calls of Government will not add twenty-five per cent, to our 
accustomed burdens of taxation. It is surely wise and prudent 
to examine all the ordinary courses of expense for opportuni- 
ties to save the means of meeting this le^'y of a patriotic tax,^® 



67 Wis. Gen. Laws, 1802, chap. 190, provided that the allotment com- 
missioners appointed by the President should perform such duties, 
not inconsistent with duties imposed on them by the act of Congress, 
as the Governor might direct, for which they should each receive 
from the State $1000 per annum; also that the State Treasurer should 
receive and turn over to' the families of volunteers such allotments as 
they might send for that purpose. — Ed. 

68 Here follow recommendations for retrenchment. — Ed. 

[99] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1862- 

MEASURES OF HOME POLICY 

W ^ ^ -,,' ^ 'it= *? ^|t 

A memorial should be promptly presented to Congress from 
this Legislature, asking the establishment of a United States 
Armory, Arsenal and Naval depot within this State. '^^ The 
city of Milwaukee possesses advantages in a capacious harbor j 
safety of locations for works, at points still touched by navigable 
waters; waterpower, and cheapness of material for building 
ships or manufacturing arms, superior to any other point on the 
lakes; while her facilities for distribution by lake and railroads 
are surpassed by none. If a location for the Armory back from 
the shore should be preferred, the line of Fox river presents a 
succession of waterpowers, where abundant pow^r and any de- 
sired quantity of lands are offered the Government free of cost. 
The best iron ore in the world can be got from Lake Superior — 
wood for charcoal and timber for all purposes, are at hand in 
abundance, while river communication leads to the lake, and 
railroad connections unite with the whole railroad system of the 
Northwest, 



CONCLUSION 

I have deemed it my duty to thus hold your attention over the 
dull details of our State affairs, from the conviction that, having 
lavished our means in preparation, it becomes us to try and hus- 
band them as well, the better to enable us to meet and crush 
the greatest, and, before God, I believe, the most causeless and 
wicked rebellion the world has ever seen. 

An Interest, whose boast it is that it has always controlled the 
government, is arrayed in arms to destroy that government, be- 
cause, for the first time in at least a quarter of a century, it 



69 Wis. Gen. Laws, 1862, Memorial no. 3, prays that a naval depot be 
located at Milwaukee, and that a national armory be located on the 
lower Fox River. — Ed. 

[100] 



i862] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

failed to dictate the incumbent of the Presidency! A failure, 
too, which the complainants might easily have prevented by mak- 
ing the selection of their candidate among northern democratic 
statesmen. The rupture of the democratic party, with the con- 
sequent easy election of Mr. Lincoln, was the choice and deliber- 
ate act of those Avho pretend to find in that election excuse for 
rebellion. i\Ir. Lincoln and the republicans, acquired with the 
Presidency no power to work injury upon southern interests — 
Congress and the Judiciary being both against them. The fac- 
tionists withdrew from Congress, as if to invite some act of 
hostile legislation. That the republicans and Mr. Lincoln pur- 
posed no act of injustice to southern rights, is conclusively shown 
by the fact that, left a clear majority in Congress, and under 
the most aggravating provocation, no such act was passed. 

The issue of force was accepted by perhaps a majority in the 
loyal states, almost apologizing for attempting a defense of the 
Constitution and the Union, as for an unw^arranted liberty. 
Habits of deference to Southern complaining are so strong upon 
us as still frequently to betray our officers and troops into acts 
of servility that tingle our cheeks with the blush of shame. But 
the incidents of the past few months have been marvelous edu- 
cators of public sentiment. There has come an almost universal 
recognition of the tn^th of history, that this rebellion is no sud- 
den outbreak, excited by any of its pretended provocations; but 
that it is a long matured and carefully prepared conspiracy, to 
he met and mastered by the government. Surely a few lessons 
more will teach us all, if indeed we be not already taught, to 
understand what treason means — to regard these rebels with 
that horrid aversion in which the royalist holds the regicide. 
They are the attempted regicides of the best government under 
heaven, and everj'- apologist for their crime, or defender of their 
cause, among us, should feel the hot hiss of public scorn burn- 
ing a brand upon him. 

The contest must come to be fought on the principle that the 
protection of the LTnion alone gives saeredness to soil or institu- 
tions — that no soil, nor person, nor any species of property, have 

[lOl] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1862- 

any sacredness or claim to regard outside the Constitution, or 
in rebellion against the laws. But in this contest who shall lead 
us? Fellow citizens, that choice is no longer left us. By the 
deliberate act of the American people at the late election, all 
the responsibilities of Government, which have come to include 
the management of this war, were devolved upon those now in 
authority. "Institutions which have their foundation in the 
popular will, can have no security except in the firmness and 
consistency of that will. ' ' This truth indicates our present duty. 
We should render our government strong through voluntary 
subordination, and by our willing support of its policy. In 
every emergency, the Administration should be made to feel the 
strength and consistency of that will by which the destiny of a 
great nation was confided to its direction. I do not deny shar- 
ing largely in the prevailing popular impatience; I do not un- 
derestimate the demoralizing influence of delay upon armies and 
public opinion; but I believe this administration means as hon- 
estly by the country — as honestly by the sacred cause of 
liberty — as any faction opposing it. It possesses, alone, the 
power to act for us ; and we must, perforce, stand by it, or take 
the alternative of faction and ruin to our cause. History teema 
with examples of the malign influence of discontent, and the un- 
easy ambition to lead in times like these. 

The result of this contest is not doubtful ; and the end will be 
worth to the cause of Freedom and good government all the sac- 
rifices and cost of the war. The Avar was not commenced — it 
may never be prosecuted — to destroy the institution of slavery. 
But this species of property bases the claim of its owners to be 
a ruling and privileged class. Slavery is moreover the interest 
which the plotters for a Southern Monarchy have played upon 
to alarm and unite their section, until that whole people have 
gone mad upon it. It obtrudes in the way of every effort to 
restore the supremacy of the laws, and bring peace to the 
country — it cannot be shielded from the blows of battle. Con- 
servatism or policies cannot save it now from the doom which 
awaits it. Whether it finds its fate in the struggle, or dies ling^ 

[102] 



^862] VISITING THE TROOPS 

eringly of its wounds, is yet in the order of Providence, and not 
-to be directed by our impatience. 

Trusting that the views I have presented will not be without 
Iheir influence upon your action — that your deliberations and 
determinations will ail be marked by the absence of any exhibi- 
tion of partisan feeling, and by patriotic devotion to the Union, 
I conclude with proffering the hearty co-operation of the 
Executive in every measure of beneficent legislation. 

Louis P. Harvey. 

Madison, January 10, 1862. i 



HEALTH OF THE REGIMENTS 

Executive Department, 

Madison, February 7, 1862. 
Hon. Edward Salomon, President of the Senate: 

Sir— On the 17th of December last. His Excellency, Alexander 
W. Randall, then Governor of this State, commissioned C. L. 
Sholes, Esq., of JNIilwaukee, as his agent to visit the several regi- 
ments from this State in or near the line of operations on the 
Potomac, and to obtain and report, for the use of the Executive 
and the Legislature, information of the health of the regiments ; 
the condition of the Government Hospitals, and the degree of 
comfort supplied to the sick therein, etc., etc. 

A report has been submitted to me by Mr. Sholes, the agent 
above named, which, together with the letter commissioning him 
as such agent, is herewith submitted for the consideration of 
the Legislature.^*' 

Very respectfully, 

L. P. Harvey. 



'OSee Wis. Sen. Jour., 1862, i, p. 197 ff.— Ed. 



[103] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY "^^i [1^62- 



' ' CLAIMANTS OF EXTRA PAY 

A source of much complaint among the troops at the front 
and their families at home, is touched upon in the following 
Special IMessage from the Governor, and its accomx^anying let- 
ters: 

Executive Department, 
Madison, February 18th, 1862. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

Over thirty-one hundred names now stand on the books of 
the Secretary of State, claimants of the extra pay provided by 
chapter 8 of the laws of the extra session, to volunteers having 
families dependent upon them for support.''^ By letter from the 
State Treasurer, herewith transmitted, it appears that no pay- 
ments have been made to such claimants since the last of Janu- 
ary, and it is well known that immediately prior to that date, 
payment had been resumed but a few days, after a long suspen- 
sion. The statement of the State Treasurer is that from seven 
to eight hundred unpaid warrants have accumulated against 
the treasury, which each call foi^ from one to five months ' pay due 
from the State. 

It is impossible to convey to the Legislature any adequate 
conception of the complaint and suffering arising from this con- 
dition of things. I herewith transmit, for the information of 
the Legislature, copies of a few letters, such as every day reach 
the State officers — samples by no means extreme, however, in 
expression of suffering and a keen sense of unjust treatment by 
the State. In very many instances, the five dollars per month 
pledged by the State, is the sole dependence of a helpless family 
against cold and hunger. 

The over thirty-one hundred claimants, already entered on 
the Secretary's books, are all from the first thirteen regiments. 
The nine thousand men now in camp in this State, belonging 



71 See ante, p. 74, note 55. — Ed. 

[104] 



i862] soldiers' claims 

to the several regiments of infantry and cavalry and batteries 
of artillery, include from two to three thousand heads of de- 
pendent families. These men have been enlisted from one to 
five months, have received no pay from the government, and not 
one dollar from the State. The letters of complaint which are 
daily received by these men from their homes, are literally 
heart-rending. One officer writes, ''the letters which my men 
daily compel me to read, give me a new conception of how 
much anger and agony can be expressed on paper." 

I have peremptory and repeated orders to forward at once 
the 14th, 15th, and 16th regiments to St. Louis. The officers 
and men, I doubt not, wall promptly obey orders to leave, but 
they will not go with the heart Wisconsin volunteers should 
bear to the field. Money cannot compensate the loss of cour- 
age, and hope and pride in their State, under which they will 
reluctantly lengthen the distance between themselves and their 
suffering households. 

It would seem there should be no longer delay by the Legis- 
lature in providing the means to redeem the faith of the State, 
pledged to the relief of the families of her citizen soldiers. It 
is submitted that a great and unnecessary hardship is imposed 
upon your State officers by compelling them to stand daily in 
the reach of so much complaining, with no duty except to 
apologize for delay of your action. 

Measures have for some time been pending in the Legislature 
which, in my judgment, are adequate for present relief. The 
enactment of the bill providing for the investment of the prin- 
cipal of the school fund in the treasury, in State bonds, would 
at once provide the means for continuing payments from one 
to two months. The decision of the Legislature upon the bank 
bill would settle present uncertainty regarding the sale of over 
two hundred thousand dollars of war bonds yet remaining un- 
sold. 

Besides these measures, the increase in revenue from rail- 
road license provided by the act of the present Legislature; and 
the transfer of the accumulated proceeds of the one-tenth of a 

[ 105 ] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [iS62~ 

mill (town librarj-) tax to the general fund, places that fund 
in condition to loan the war fund from fifty to seventy-five 
thousand dollars without serious embarrassment. Then, a re- 
loan of the $50,000 provided to meet the State bonds maturing 
April 1st, is doubtless practicable and should be made, if at 
all. for the relief of the war fund.'- 

If the measures above suggested do not meet the approval of 
the Legislature, permit me to hope that their wisdom will, 
ivithin the present iveek, devise and enact some effective means 
of relief. 

L. P. Harvey. 




Office of State Treasurer, 

Madisox, February 18, 1862. 
To his Excellency, Gov. L. P. Harvey, 

Sir : — There cannot be less than some seven or eight hun- 
dred applications for extra pay to the families of volunteers 
now on file in this office and in the office of the Secretary of 
State. Xo payments have been made to the families of volun- 
teers since the last of Januarj', the war fund has been ex- 
hausted since that time. These applications have been accumu- 
lating during the past three weeks, no reply having been made 
to the applicants, as we have been daily expecting action on the 
part of the Legislature that would replenish the fund, and thus 
enable us to remit the several sums due. It will not answer 
to let these matters remain as they now are much longer. The 
mails are coming loaded down with letters setting forth the 
wants and sufferings of the families of volunteers, and inquir- 
ing why the money is not sent, and when it may be expected. 
Unless speedy provision is made to replenish the war fund, these 



'!'2 Wis. Gen. Laics. 1862, chap. 229, passed by the Legislature on 
April 5, 1862, in response to the GoTernor's recommendation, provided 
for a temporary loan from the general fund of $50,000 to be used in 
the war fund for the relief of families of volunteers. — Ed. 

[io6] 



iS62] soldiers' claims 

letters must all be answered. And what answer can I make to 
them? 

I hand you copies of several letters received, which may be 
regarded as fair samples of scores, if not hundreds, of others 
now on file. Very respectfully, your ob't. servant, 

Sam'l D. Hastings, 

State Treasurer. 



February 11, 1862. 

Dear Sir — I now take my pen in hand to inform you that 
my blank has been sent in, but I have not had any answer from 
it yet. But I think if you knew my state, you would send m'e 
the money, or trj^ to help me in some way. I will tell you: 
first, I have one babe just three months old, and no one to help 
me do anything, and out of wood ; no shoes to my feet, and but 
very little to eat. Is not this hard, to have my husband taken 
away from me, and not one cent to help myself with? ]\Iust 
this be so ? this is hard times ! Mr. Shaw promised me that 
he would see that I had my pay, but you see how much he carea 
for me. He has got my husband away from me, and now I 
may starve, for all he cares about it. So, if you can't send me 
my money, I wish you would send me word when you think I 
can get it, and I will try to pay the postage. 

Xow, don't read this and think she can wait; but try to help 
me. I would not have sent yet, if I could get any work, but 
I cannot now. Please do the best you can for me, and oblige 

Yours truly, 

IMrs. Clara Bowen. 

Genesee, "Waukesha Co., Wis. 



West Bend, February 14, 1862. 
E&n. James T. Lewis, Secretary of State, Madison: 

Sir — On the 17th day of January I wrote you a letter, en- 
closing the necesary papers for drawing $20 out of the Military 
Relief Fund for my sister-in-law — ]\Iary J. Trakat. Her hus- 

[107] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1862- 

bancl. Julius Trakat, is enlisted and mustered into United States 
service, in Company C, 9tli Regiment on Sept. 26th, 1861; and 
as his wife is in great want of some necessities of life and has 
no supporter, you would greatly oblige her by sending the $20 
as soon as convenient. Very respectfully, yours, etc., 

J. H, Teakat. 



Oxford, February 14, 1862. 

Hon. J. T. Lewis: — 

Sir — I write to enquire if the affidavit I sent you certifying 
that Andrew Miller is the identical person having charge of the 
family dependent on George Bell for support is sufficient. The 
money has not yet reached here, and the children are very much 
in want of clothing. All three of them are under nine years of 
age, and have nothing to help them. Their father writes that 
the 10th Regiment have received no pay since they left the State, 
making it impossible for him to send them any money. 

I am knowing to the fact that Andrew Miller w^ho signed the 
order and receipt is the person having charge of George Bell's 
family. The order calls for three months' pay. Please attend 
to it as soon as jjossible. 

Thos. Black. 



Belvideee, Wis., Jan. 29, 1862. 
To the Secretary of State, Madiso'ti, Wis. 

Sir — I respectfully ask you to give prompt attention to the 
enclosed certificate for aid to volunteers in my favor. I am 
veiy much in want of the money, having a large family to sup- 
port. Very respectfully yours, 

Sophie Brehl. 
Post office address, Alma, Buffalo Co., Wis. 



[108] 



iS62] soldiers' claims 

Camp Wood, Ky., Feb'y 6th, 1862. 
To 



Sir — Isly wife, at Milwaukee, has never received one cent of 
pay from the State. Now, sir, I demand that she should have 
what the laws of my State have so generously promised. 

I was enlisted in October last at Milwaukee, in Co. "B," 1st 
"Wis. Infantry. Now, sir, my wife is very needy, and I am un- 
able to send her a cent, as our Regiment has not received one 
since Oct. 8. The requisite papers were sent to your office at 
the time of our departure from the State, certifying to the fact 
of my marriage. Still, by some cause, my wife has been left to 
starve, while I, like a fool, trusted to the honor of my State. 
Please do not let the case be longer aggravated. Her address is 
Mrs. Mary Shanran, Milwaukee Co., Greenfield P. 0. 



CLAIMS xVGAINST THE UNITED STATES 

Executive Department, 

Madison, March 3d, 1862. 

To the Honorahle the Assemhlit: 

I have received information from the Paymaster General, 
now at Washington, that a settlement of that part of the claim 
of the State against the United States for military expenditures 
for tlie first six regiments, can be immediately adjusted, and the 
sum found due the State paid over on the original vouchers, 
now in the office of the Secretary of State, which will be re- 
quired to effect the settlement. The other claims of the State 
can he adjusted from time to time only upon like vouchers. I 
would respectfully recommend the passage of an act authorizing 
the transfer of the original vouchers necessary for that purpose. 
A draft of a bill to effect that object is herewith submitted.'^' 



73 This bill became Wis. Gen. Laws, 1862, chap. 191. — Ed. 

L. P. Harvey. 

[109] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1862- 

A Bill Authobizing the Transfer r.^ ^r 

PENDITUEES. TRANSFER OF VOUCHERS FOR MILITARY EX- 

ment of t.e CaS oftrsta eTr^' '" '"' ""'^"^"' ^"^ ^«-'- 

P-Me. t.at .e,o.e an' o'a-avru^rirrlr "T" """' 
provisions of this art ^...ifl.^- .°'"=''"^ =''^» l^e delivered under the 

retar. of State^d flledln ht X" T' ^''" "' ^^'^ '' *^ «"" 
received In all court an. ' '™'' °''"""'' "">«= ^"^'l "« 

.a.e e«ect arthro:!:.^"^:::!: '" ^^-^ "^-^ -^ -* - 



A VETO MESSAGE 

Executive Department, 

Tn fl,„ u ,, ,, Mamson, March 8, 1862. 

Jo the EonoraWe the Assembly: 

on^^.VT''^f "T ""=* ""'"'"•i^i'^g tl'e borrowing of money 
toto.e issued, has been presented to me for approval 
In diseussing the provisions of this aet it will be neee.sarv to 

lenditZ. fi I'^g'sl^ture, to meet extraordinary ex- 

penditures of those years, authorized the borrowing of money 

n h ^r'l" """"*"^ *o ™« """^^d thousLd dote 
on the faith and credit of the State. Under that authority T^ 
money was borrowed and bonds for that amount issued L„n 
the maturing of the bonds of 1852 in the year 1857 7b T^ 

ature at its session of that year, authorird a tan of fifty 
thousand dollars to pay them, and the bonds of 1852 wer therT 
npon taken up and replaced by others issued in 1857. In 1858 

[no] 



i862] STATE DEBTS 

the bonds of 1853 became due and were paid and cancelled, and 
a new loan of fifty thousand dollars for extraordinary expendi- 
tures then about to be incurred, authorized-the loan eftected 
and bonds to that amount issued. Thus the btate debt now 
stands at the full aggregate permitted by section 6, article 8 of 
the constitution. In pursuance of the provisions of the act ot 
1857, authorizing the loan of that year, a tax was levied and 
collected during the last year, to pay the amount of money bor- 
TOwed under that act. 

The act before me provides that "for the purpose of paying 
the fifty thousand dollars of State bonds, which fall due on the 
first day of April, 1862, a loan of fifty thousand dollars is here- 
by authorized, and required to be made on the faith and credi 
of the State." The power of the State to contract debts is 
limited by the Constitution to the following cases •• 

1st Debts incurred for ordinary expenditures m the admin- 
istration of the government, when a deficiency has occurred m 
the income of the current year; these can never become funded 
or permanent debts, but must be provided for and paid out of 
taxes to be levied for that purpose in the ensuing year. Con- 

stitiition, sec. 5, art. 8. 

2d Debts for extraordinary expenditures, to an amount not 
exceeding one hundred thousand dollars. Every such expendi- 
ture must be authorized by law, for some purpose or purposes to 
l)e distinctly sT^ecified therein; every such law must provide tor 
the levyino- an annual tax sufficient to pay the annual interest ot 
such debt and the principal within five years from the passage 
of the law and must specially appropriate the proceeds of such 
taxes to the payment of such principal and interest; and such 
apDropriation must not be repealed, nor the taxes postponed or 
diminished, until the principal and interest shall have been 
wliolUj paid. Constitution, art. 8, sec. 6. 

3d ' Debts for money borrowed to repel invasion, suppress 
insurrection and defend the State in time of war. Constitution, 

art. 8, sec. 7. -, -, x u ^ 

The loan proposed by this act is obviously intended to be made 

[III] 



GOVERNOR HARVEY [1862- 

tinder the power eonfeiTed by section 6 of article 8, above 
alluded tc^; and here I am called upon to enquire — Is the loan, 
required, or rather is the purpose specified in the act for which 
the loan is required, an exiraordinary expenditure, within the 
meaning of that section? The convention in framing and the 
people in adopting the Constitution, certainly intended that 
every loan made to meet extraordinary expenditures, under 
section 6, should be repaid within five years from its inception, 
and to make such payment sure, it is provided that both prin- 
cipal and interest shall be raised by taxation, and lest the Legis- 
lature shall attempt to avoid the payment by repeal or amend- 
ment of the law imposing such taxation, its repeal, postpone- 
ment, or diminution is prohibited until the debt is fully paid. A 
failure to repay the loan from the avails of taxes levied, was 
neither contemplated or provided for. It seems clear, therefore, 
that while intending that the debt incurred by the loan should be 
certainly liquidated at its maturity, the Constitution excludes 
the idea that such debt could ever become an extraordinary ex- 
penditnre within the meaning of the provision alluded to; and 
this objection derives additional force from the fact that a tax 
has already been actually levied and collected to pay the bonds 
mentioned in the act in question. 

Another objection occurs to this method of paying the bonds 
of 1857. The aggregate debt of the State for "extraordinary 
expenditures," as has already been adverted to, reaches the full 
limits prescribed by the constitution, yet if any portion of it is 
to be paid by money raised on the loan contemplated by this 
act, the bonds authorized by the act must be first issued and dis- 
posed of and the means realized. This cannot be done under the 
constitution. The bonds for the purpose cannot be constitution- 
ally issued or disposed of, while the former loans reach the limit 
of one hundred thousand dollars; and it would seem equally 
clear that they cannot be legally neg*otiated, after the former 
bonds are paid, because the purpose of the loan will have been 
accomplished by their payment from other sources. 

Hitherto, while the debt of the State, compared with its pop- 

[112] 



'^^^^] Harvey's death 

ulation and resources, has been so inconsiderable, and its bonds 
so much sought for home investment, the provisions of the acts 
authorizing the loans have attracted but little attention ; al- 
though in 1858, the question as to what were "extraordinary 
expenditures" within the purview of the constitution was con- 
sidered, and one of the objections to v/hich I have called your 
attention, obviated in the act of that year. Now that the bonded 
liabilities of the State are so greatly increased, a due regard for 
the credit of the State and its bonds, requires that all laws pro- 
viding for loans, should so scrupulously eonfonn to the funda- 
mental law, that no legal or constitutional objection can be 
reasonably entertained. 

In concluding this communication, I may be permitted to add 
that there are existing liabilities of the State for extraordinary 
expenditures during the current year, for which a loan may be 
made, so as to obviate the objections to this act.'^* I return the 
act to the Assembly v/here it originated, without my approval. 

L. P. Harvey. 



DEATH OF THE GOVERNOR 

The following entry is found in the Executive Register, en- 
closed in double lines: 

April 21, 1862. 

Received this day the intelligence of the death, by drowning 
in the Tennessee River, at Savannah, of hon. louis p. harvet, 
Governor of this State. 

The public offices closed, the bells tolled, and half hour guna 
fired from 12 M., till Sunset. 



74 The Governor's suggestion was accepted in Hid, chap. 226. — Ed. 



II' 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862^ 



1 862-1 864. Edward Salomon 

Biographical Sketch 

Edward Salomon, the eighth Governor of Wisconsin, was 
born at Stroebeek, near Halberstadt, Germany, August 11, 1828, 
the son of Christopher and Dorothea (Klussmann) Salomon. 
He was educated at Halberstadt and at the University at Ber- 
lin, which latter he attended in 1848-49. 

Coming to America in 1849 he settled at Manitowoc, 
Wisconsin. His brothers, Charles and Frederick, both of 
whom w^on distinction as officers in the American Civil War, 
had preceded him by a brief interval, and his parents followed 
in 1856. While in Manitov/oc he was a teacher, county surveyor, 
and deputy clerk of the circuit court. 

From 1852 to 1855 he studied law in Milwaukee, and on the 
completion of his preparation was admitted to the bar. He 
rapidly won a position in his profession and was one of the 
leaders of the IMilwaukee bar until he left Wisconsin. In 1858 
he married Elise Nebel of ]\Iilwankee. 

Mr. Salomon became a regent of the University of Wisconsin 
in 1861 , and continued on the board to the close of his residence 
in the State, acting as its president for several years. He was 
a steadfast friend of the institution, and to his energetic work 
is due in no small measure its survival during the trying financial 
period of the Civil War. 

On coming to this country, Salomon allied himself with the 
Democratic party; but he broke with it on the slavery question 
and joined the Republicans. He was nominated for lieutenant- 
governor in 1861 by the Republican convention, and elected. 
Governor Harvey's tragic death in April, 1862— a little over 
three months after his i^-iPU.'Ti-'.ration — raised Salomon to the gov- 
ernorship. His position was difficult, for he had become Gov- 

[114] 




Governor Edward Salomon 

From the portrait in Reed's "Bench and Bar of Wisconsin" 
(Milwaukee, 1882J, p. 120 



i864] BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

ernor by accident, not by election, and was inexperienced in 
public affairs. Moreover, the problems of the war became in- 
creasingly involved. The hope at first prevalent, that the war 
would end in a few months had vanished ; the people were now 
appalled and disheartened at the prospect of a long and terrible 
struggle. But the new executive soon proved himself quite equal 
to the duties of a war governor. The presidential calls for 
troops were following one another with startling frequency. 
Drafts were ordered to supply the needed number of soldiers. 
The Governor met these pressing demands with persevering en- 
ergy and success. The draft riots in two of the counties of 
Wisconsin were quelled in a manner that showed administrative 
tact and firmness of a high order. 

At the close of his term. Governor Salomon would have been 
glad to have had a direct nomination and re-election. He did 
not, however, take steps to that end as early as he should. His 
principle of appointing as officers of new regiments men of 
military experience in the war, instead of political leaders at 
home, made him enemies. He was, therefore, defeated in the 
convention, and retired to private life, save that he still retained 
his position as University regent. In 1868 he w^as brought for- 
ward as a candidate for United States Senator, but this attempt 
in his behalf failed. 

Soon after this, Salomon left Llilwaukee and settled in New 
York, where he continued his law practice, acting also as 
Prussian consul, and becoming an expert on immigration ques- 
tions. He was active in the movement which overthrew the 
Tweed ring, and w-as one of the founders of the German Legal 
Aid Society, an organization whose object is to protect immi- 
grants and the poor against legal chicanery. 

Soon after 1880, Mrs. Salomon's health compelled her to live 
in Europe. He continued his practice in New York, but spent 
a part of each yea,r with her, and finally in 1894 gave up his 
New York office and made his residence at Frankfurt-am-Main. 
Ten years later his AAdfe died, and he himself passed away on 
April 20. 1909. 

[115] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 



1862. In Legislative Recess 

His Excellency, Edward Salomon, Lieut. Governor, on assum- 
ing the exercise of the powers and duties of the Executive Office^ 
devolved upon him by the Constitution, issued the following'^ ^ 

PROCLAMATION 

Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God to take from the people 
of this State its Chief Magistrate, the Hon. Louis P. Harvey, 
who, on the 19th day of this month, lost his life in the waters 
of the Tennessee Eiver, while executing a noble and self-chosen 
mission of philanthropy, in trying to recover from the recent 
battle field in Tennessee, the dead, and to alleviate the suffer- 
ings of the wounded soldiers of this State, therefore 

I, Edward Salomon, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, on 
assuming the duties of the office devolved upon me by that sad 
event, do hereby in behalf of this State, tender to the bereaved 
"Widow of its late beloved Chief IMagistrate, the deep and sor- 
row'ful sympathy and condolence of its people. 

And I do hereby recommend that for thirty days from this 
date, all public offices, court houses and other public buildings 
be clad in mourning, and that during that time the people of 
this State wear the usual badges of mourning. 

And I do further appoint Thursday, the first day of May, 
A. D. 1862, as a day of public rest and cessation from business,^ 
and recommend to the people of this State, that, on that day, 
between the hours of 10 and 12 o'clock in the morning, they as- 
semble in their respective towns, cities and villages, then and 
there to commemorate the death of the late Governor, the Hon. 
Louis P. Harvey, by such public demonstrations as may be ap- 
prop,riate to the occasion. 



75 This introductory sentence precedes the proclamation in the 
Executive Register. 

[116] 



^862] RECRUITING RESUMED 

In testimony \vhereof, I have hereunto signed my name, and 
caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. 
Done at Madison, this twenty-second day of April, A. D. 1862. 

Edward Salomon, Governor. 



AN APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS 

The Governor issued the following Proclamation on May 24, 
1862 : 

The President of the United States has called upon our State 
for another regiment of volunteers to join the army of the na- 
tion. The army of the rebellious States lias been driven back 
on [sic] many points; their territory is surrounded; they have 
been beaten in many a hard fought battle ; yet, while the end of 
this rebellion seems to be approaching, under the firm grasp 
of our government, every foot of ground is yet being contested 
as our forces advance, and guerrilla bands swarm over portions 
of the recovered territory. Hence, the President deems it neces- 
saiy to increase the army. His appeal will not be in vain. The 
more speedily the additional force is raised, the sooner the re- 
bellion will be suppressed. 

Men of Wisconsin! I appeal to you to come forward and 
rally around the flag of our country, for its aid and support 
and for the aid and support of our brothers now in arms against 
the fierce and desperate battalions of the enemy. Wisconsin 
has nobly stood by the old flag; 24,000 of her sons have volun- 
tarily gone forward in support of the Union and the Constitu- 
tion. They call for aid, through the President — let them not be 
disappointed. 

Recruiting officers will be appointed without delay for the 
20th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteei'S, and persons desiring 
such appointments, or information concerning recruiting regu- 
lations, will apply to this Department. 

Major General Halleck has also authority from the War De- 
partment to fill up his regiments. Recruiting officers will soon 

[117] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1^62- 

be sent here from the "Wisconsin regiments in the army of the 
Mississippi, and an opportunity will thus be given to join regi- 
ments already in the field. I trust that those regiments will be 
speedily filled, and their thinned ranks be completed and made 
effectived* 

Done at MadiSon this twenty-fourth day of May, in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. 

Edward Salomon, Governor of Wisconsin. 



76 Wisconsin's war governors consistently followed the policy of 
filling up the depleted regiments in the field before organizing new 
regiments. This policy gave the State a smaller count in the number 
of regiments furnished, but secured the obvious advantages of ming- 
ling raw recruits vi^ith veterans. General Sherman says of this policy 
in his Memoirs (New York, 1875), ii, p. 388: "I remember that Wis- 
consin kept her regiments filled with recruits, whereas other States gen- 
erally filled up their quotas by new regiments; and the result was that 
we estimated a Wisconsin regiment equal to an ordinary brigade." — Ed. 



[iiai 



i862] DEATH OF HARVEY 



1862. Fifteenth Annual Legislative Session, June 3-17 

On June 3, 1862, the Governor transmitted to the Legislature 

— ^still in its Fifteenth Annual Session, but reconvened on this 
day — the following 

SPECIAL MESSAGE 

To the Hon. the Senate and Assemhly: 

Since your adjournment in April last, our State has been 
thrown into deep mourning by the sad and sudden death of its 
late Chief Magistrate, the Hon. Louis P. Harvey, who, on the 
19th day of April, 1862, lost his life at Savannah, in the Ten- 
nessee River. The last among the Governors elected by the 
people of this State, he is the first who has been removed by 
death from our midst. The circumstances leading to and sur- 
rounding the tragic and melancholy end of the honored and la- 
mented deceased, are v/ell known to the people, and are, with 
his memory, treasured up in their hearts. He died while in 
the exercise of the highest duties of philanthropy and humanity, 
that a noble impulse had imposed upon him. Wisconsin and 
the Union have not lost a truer son in this great struggle against 
the atrocious rebellion yet in arms against our Government and 
Constitution. 

"Without intending here to recapitulate the circumstances of 
the death of Gov. Harvey, which are so well known and remem- 
bered b}^ all, I feel called upon to mention to you the names 
and acts of some among the many who are worthy of thanks 
and consideration for their exertions in recovering and bring- 
ing back to our State, the earthly remains of our late Chief 
Magistrate. But before these, let me first mention the name of 
Dr. R. B. Clark, of Racine, who, regardless of his own life, 
boldly, though vainly, threw himself into the dangerous stream 

[119] 



GOVERNOR SALOxMON [1862- 

to save the life of Gov. Harvey. Though unsuccessful, the act 
was not the less nohle. 

The little party of men from Wisconsin who had voluntarily 
accompanied the Governor on his mission of mercy, remained 
for many days after the sad event, endeavoring to recover his 
remains. Among them the exertions of Hon. Edward H. Brod- 
head and Surgeon General E. B. Wolcott of Milwaukee, will be 
remembered. Present hopes for finding the body being ex- 
tinguished, they offered a reward of $1,000 for its recovery, an 
offer which I had no hesitation to sanction on the part of the 
State. On the 27th day of April the body was accidentally 
discovered and rescued from the water, and thanks to the ex- 
ertions and humanity of several gentlemen, it was subsequently 
recovered from the rude grave into which it had been placed, 
and finally brought to Cairo, where it was delivered over to 
the Hon. Perry H. Smith of Chicago. The persons especially 
worthy of consideration and thanks in thus recovering the body 
and bringing it to our State, are Mr. Singleton of Tennessee, 
Captain William Walker of the steamer Lady Pike, Capt. Fos- 
dick of the 29th Indiana Volunteers, Hon. Wm. P. Mellen of 
Cincinnati, and Hon. P. H. Smith of Chicago. The latter went 
expressly to Tennessee in order to recover the body, accompanied 
by J. S. Harvey, Esq., of Chicago, a brother of the deceased. 
While at Cairo these gentlemen learned of the finding of the 
body, received it there, had it properly incased, and brought it 
to Chicago, where it was delivered to the committee charged 
with receiving and escorting it home. Mr. P. H. Smith, as Vice 
President of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, kind.^ 
and disinterestedly, the next day, furnished an extra train to 
the committee, to carry home the remains. Both the Chicago 
and Northwestern and the Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien 
Railway Companies sent this extra train free of charge over 
their roads. The Mayor, authorities and citizens of Chicago 
also highly honored the remains of Gov. Harvey while passing 
through their city, and Captain Rourke of the 11th Wisconsin 
Battery tendered and furnished an imposing escort on that sol- 

[ 120 ] 



3862] DEATH OF HARVEY 

emn occasion. I herewith transmit to you a copy of a letter of 
Mr. Wm. P. Mellen, Government agent for the establishment of 
Post Offices and Custom Houses, who was himself active in the 
-recovery of the body, and who kindly furnished me reliable in- 
formation concerning the attending circumstances, and the per- 
sons connected therewith. 

No one seems to be entitled to claim, or has claimed the re- 
ward offered; but some acknowledgment of humane and disin- 
terested services would be eminently proper on the part of the 
"State ; and I recommend to you, therefore, the adoption of such 
measures as may seem best adapted to show the appreciation of 
those services by a grateful State. 

Another sorrowful event, since your adjournment, has de- 
prived the State of the services of a member of one of your hon- 
orable bodies. I refer to the death of Hon. Charles Quentin, 
Senator from the 5th Senatorial District, who died unexpectedly 
on the 9th of I\Iay last. 

It is sad to me, indeed, that I have to announce to you the 
•death of two so good, eminent and noble men. They have pre- 
■ceded us to ''that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no 
traveler returns", but they have left such monuments behind 
them as will preserve their names and memory among us. 

Among the Bills passed prior to your adjournment, and pre- 
sented to Gov. Harvey for approval, are the following, which 
have rot been signed by him', to wit : 

Section 10, of article V, of the Constitution, provides that ' ' if 
any bill shall not be returned by the Governor within three 
days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to 
him, the same shall be a law, unless the Legislature shall, by 
their adjournment, prevent its return, in which case it shall 
not be a law." 

Afte,r mature reflection, I have come to the conclusion that, 
under this provision, the bills above mentioned have failed to 
beeortie lav/s, and tb"t I have no power to act upon them. ''Three 
^ays" must mean three natural days, as the exception of Sun- 
days negatives any other construction, and the spirit of the sec- 

[ 121 ] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

tion would seem clearly to cover every adjournment for more- 
than three days. The construction also seems to be the reason 
for rule No. 22 of your joint rules, which prohibits an adjourn- 
ment of either House for more than three days without the con- 
sent of the other. If it had not been that, in one or two in- 
stances in the history of our State, a different construction ap- 
pears to have been placed upon that clause of the Constitution, 
I should not have had any serious doubt about its true meaning. 
But it seems to me that the construction I have adopted is the 
only safe one, as no legislative precedent would be of much 
weight if the question should arise before the judicial tribunal, 
and since an opportunity exists to re-enact the laws thus de- 
feated. 

Among the bills above mentioned, is one in relation to the 
salary and psy of military officers, and the consolidation and 
winding up of the military departments. I deem it proper, 
therefore, to lay before you the present condition of those of- 
fices, and the changes recently made therein : 

The Commissary General has been relieved from active duty, 
and his sala,ry has ceased. The books and papers of his office 
have been transferred to the office of the Quartermaster General, 
and the duties yet remaining have lieen devolved upon that 
officer. 

The salary of the Adjutant General has been fixed at $1,600 
per ?,unum (including the statutory salary), to take effect from 
January 6th, 1862, according to a verbal understanding be- 
tween Governor Harvey and that officer. He is allowed to em- 
ploy one clerk, and the State Armorer continues to be employed 
under his direction. 

The salary of the Quartermaster General has been reduced 
to .$1,200 per annum, and his force of employees has been re- 
duced to two clerks, whom he is permitted to employ until his 
accounts shall have been placed in proper condition for settle- 
ment with the General Government, which, as I am assured by 
that officer, will occupy but a short tim.e, and by the 1st of 

[122] 



1^2] MILITARY ESTABLISxHMENTS 

July it is hoped that one clerk will be sufficient for that depart- 
ment. 

The salary of the Military Secretary has been reduced to $400 
per annum, since the 6tli of February last. 

It being difficult to determine in advance to what extent the 
services of the Surgeon General would be needed, an order has 
been made that his compensation shall be fixed by a future 
order, and to cover the time since the 6th day of January last. 

The salary of the Paymaster General has been reduced to 
$1,200 per annum ; he has no clerk or assistant. 

The office of Adjutant General and that of the Military 
Secretary, will continue to involve considerable labor, owing to 
the large military force in the field from our State, and the re- 
cruiting service. The services of a Quartermaster General will 
also, probably, have to be retained, but those of the Paymaster 
General can soon be dispensed with, if proper provisions are 
made by law for the winding up of his Department. I would 
recommend that a law be passed authorizing the discontinuance, 
at a proper time, of the active duties of the Paymaster General, 
Quartermaster General and Commissary General, and that their 
duties, so ffir as they are auditing duties, be devolved upon the 
Secretary of State, and so far as they are disbursing duties, 
upon the State Treasurer. The books, papers and records of 
those offices should then be deposited in the office of the Secre- 
tary of State.'^^ 

It has been a source of very great embarrassment to the Ex- 
ecutive Department that no provisions had been made for the 
contingencies which have arisen since your adjournment, con- 
cerning the sick and wounded soldiers from our State. Wis- 
consin has sent into the field 24,000 men, and a new regiment is 
now being organized. As our army has advanced, a great many 
of our brave soldiers have become sick, and many have been 
wounded upon the battle field. Especially has this been the 



77 This recommendation was accepted in Wis. Gen. Laws, 1862, chap. 
364.— Ed. 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

case in the Army of the Mississippi. After the battle at Pitts- 
burg Landing my lamented predecessor went to the battle field 
to aid and assist the wounded. What he had so nobly com- 
menced, I did not hesitate to carry out, so far as having those 
soldiers transported to their homes who had by him been sent 
up the Mississippi River. Subsequently, when reliable and 
continued accounts reached me of the helpless condition of our 
sick soldiers along the Tennessee River, of the inadequate re- 
lief granted by the United States authorities ; when a battle was 
hourly expected and, when I was actually and credibly inform- 
ed that a great battle near Corinth had commenced, I sent an- 
other commission under the charge of the Commissary General, 
E. R. Wadsworth, and the Surgeon General, Dr. E. B. Wolcott, 
to Pittsburg Landing; and although no battle occurred then, 
the commission, consisting of gentlemen who volunteered their 
services, saved the lives of many brave "Wisconsin soldiers who 
were lying sick from the effects of the climate, and who would 
have died had they not been removed. Since then, all State 
aid has been excluded by the military authorities, until after a 
battle. But in that event aid ought again to be granted to those 
who fall wounded upon the field, 

I trust that you will sanction what has been done, and will 
speedily make provision for future emergencies. The great 
and noble State of Wisconsin ought not to let her brave sons, 
who fight the battles of the Union, die for want of attention. 
The people, the poor, sick, and wounded soldiers, look to the 
Executive for aid in such emergencies; but his hands are tied 
unless you will place the necessary means at his disposal. The 
expeTTses of such expeditions are necessarily large, notwith- 
standing the gratuitous services of physicians and nurses. 

I transmit to you herewith, for your information, copies of 
the reports, in detail, of the two expeditions, sent to Keokuk 
and to Pittsburg Landing, and also the report, by the Surgeon 
General, of the operations of the last mentioned expedition. 

Aside from such expeditions, in eases of emergency there are 
constantly claims made upon me in individual cases. It is but 

[124] 



i862] jHE SICK AND WOUNDED 

veiy recently that the General Government has made provision 
for the transportation of such sick and wounded soldiers as have 
money due them from the Government. Those who have no 
pay due them will not be furnished with transportation, but 
must shift for themselves. In the cities of New York, Cincin- 
nati, St. Louis, and other places, there are constantly arriving 
some of our sick and wounded soldiers, anxiously expecting to 
find some agency from our State that will aid them to get to 
their homes. Something should be done to relieve these poor, 
suffering men ; many a life may be saved, and many a heart made 
glad. I am confident that the proud state of Wisconsin will 
not remain behind her sister states in that respect. Accompany- 
ing this I lay before you copies of a few of the many communi- 
cations I have received concerning the necessity of appointing 
State agents to look after the sick and wounded soldiers from 
Wisconsin. 

Observation and reflection on my part, in regard to the labor 
devolved upon our Supreme Court for the past two or three 
years, have induced me to urge upon you the necessity of tak- 
ing at this session, initiatory steps towards amending our Con- 
stitution, in order to provide for an increase of the number of 
Judges of that Court for the future. For the three terms of 
court held in the years 1856 and 1857, there were in the average 
argued and decided, sixty calendar causes and twelve motions 
at each term. Since then the business of the court has increased 
rapidly, and since the June term, 1859, there have been at each 
term, in the average, argued and decided in that court, 130 
calendar causes and fourteen motions. Thus, the labor of the 
Judges for the last three years has been more than double what 
it was in 1856 and 1857. 

Since the June term, 1859, the Judges of the Supreme Court 
have been in session, simply hearing arguments for one hundred 
and thirty-seven days, in the average, in each year, sitting seven 
hours a day. But the hearing of arguments of causes brought 
before them, is the smallest portion of their labors, studying and 
deciding the eases, and writing the opinions, is by far the great- 

[125] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

est part. This labor is, I am well convinced, too much for three 
Judges, and I would therefore urgently recommend that the 
number of Judges of the Supreme Court be increased by two, 
so tli"t the labor of the court may be divided by five. When 
the Constitution v.'as made, this State had a population of about 
150,000 inhabitants, while now it is not far short of 800,000. 
In justice to the state, the Judges of that court, and the inter- 
ests confided to them, the change I have recommended seems 
to be imperatively called for, and I hope it will meet with your 
approbation and immediate action. 

The President of the United States has recently called upon 
our State for another Eegiment of Infantry, which is in pro- 
cess of organization. An act passed at the present session, lim- 
its the extra pay which the State gives to the families of vol- 
unteers to regiments then in process of formation, which would 
exclude the 20th Regiment from' the benefits of the State bounty. 
It would be but justice that all volunteers from our State should 
be placed upon an equal footing, and that the State should not 
discriminate in its generosity. I would recommend, therefore, 
that the benefits of chapter 8, of the G-eneral Laws of the Extra 
Session of 1861, as modified by chapter 112, of the present ses- 
sion, be extended to the 20th Regiment.'^^ 

It is believed that this will be the last Regiment that the gen- 
eral Government will require from our State, and that, with 
the present efficient army, and the additions that will be made 
to it under the last call. Government will be able to suppress 
the armed rebellion.'^^ Gradually, but steadily, we see the pro- 
portions of it wane, as the army of the Union advances. "We 
may meet with occasional reverses, for there is yet a large and 
desperate army contending against ours, but we all feel that 



Ts iMcf. chap. 374, extended the benefits of the Volunteer Aid Law 
to the Twentieth Infantry. — Ed. 

79 Fifty-three infantry regiments were eventually called for from 
Wisconsin, before the close of the war. — ^Ed. 

[ 126 ] 



^862] DEATH OF HARVEY 

God will grant final victory to our just cause. Llay the day of 
that victory soon appear. 

Edward Salomon. 
Madison, June 3, 1862. 



LETTER ACCOMPANYING THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE 

Cincinnati, May 15, 1862. 
Hon. Echvard Salomon, Governor of Wisconsin, Madison, 

Dear Sir — Your letter of the 10th inst. is received, in which 
you wish me to give you a full account of the matter of recov- 
ering the body of the lamented Governor Harvey. I will 
comply with your wishes, giving all such details as I judge 
shall be interesting to his friends. 

As the steamer Lady Pike was passing "Britt's Landing" on 
the left bank of the Tennessee river, a few miles below Savan- 
nah, Wednesday, April 30th, Ave were hailed by Mr. Britt, and 
were informed that the body of Gov. Harvey had been found, and 
was interred about two miles below. Mr. Britt was taken on 
board, and directed us to the spot. The particulars attending 
the finding, and the burial of the body, and subsequent action 
in regard to it are as follows: 

On the Sunday previous, 27th April, some children playing 
on the bank of the river discovered the body floating at the 
shore, and induced a negro man near by to pull it out. 

The children and the negro cut out all the pockets of his 
clothes, and distributed the contents among themselves, the 
negro retaining the Avatch, which he gave to a negro woman in 
the neighborhood. The body Avas then put back in the river, but 
an eddy kept it near the shore. A white man, whose name I 
have forgotten, living near the spot, learned AA'hat had been 
done, had the body taken out again and buried as it was, on 
the bank. After the papers which had been taken from his 
pockets had been .dried, they were found to belong to Gov. 
Harvey. It soon became a neighborhood talk, and the next 

[127] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

day came to the knowledge of a Mr. Singleton, living^ about two 
miles from the river. He immediately started through the 
neighborhood to recover, the money, papers, watch and other 
articles taken from the body that would be valuable as relics, 
and I think recovered all. We sent out for him. He came to 
us and brought everything with him. These you have. He did 
all he could to rectify what had been done wrong the previous 
day. 

The body was disinterred, undressed, washed, wrapped in 
blankets by Capt. Fosdick of the 29th Indiana Volunteers, and 
placed in a box m'ade for the purpose on the boat, and taken to 
Pittsburg Landing on the Lady Pike. At Savannah we ob- 
tained materials for another larger box, with lime to fill the 
space between the two boxes, as the best disinfectant at our 
command. 

At Pittsburg Landing, a portion of the Wisconsin Eegiment 
that had been detailed to search for the body claimed that it 
should be taken from the boat and committed to their care. The 
Captain of the Lcdy Pil-e (which was the first boat to leave 
there) desired to be permitted to take the body to Paducah, 
where we all understood Gov. Harvey's brother to be waiting 
to hear of and recover it. The officers of the regiment insisted 
on taking it off the boat, and procured an order to do it just 
as the boat was leaving, it was put on board another boat and 
taken to Cairo. 

I regretted this difference between the officers of the regiment 
and the captain of the boat. The boat was in ,the employment, 
and pay of the Government, and hence neither the captain nor^ 
owners suffered any pecuniary loss by the detention of the boat 
in recovering the body. But the captain felt that he had be- 
haved humanely, and desired that his boat might be the boat 
through which the remains of Gov. Harvey were restored to 
his friends. He felt hurt by the treatment of these friends of 
the deceased. 

You asked my views as to remuneration, etc. I think some- 
small token of appreciation to Capt. Wm. Walker of the Lady- 

[128] 



^^2] DEATH OF HARVEY 

Pike would be judicious and proper, not as a money value, but 
as a keepsake. 

Mr. Singleton, whose Christian name I have forgotten, is a 
respectable and honest farmer, in moderate circumstances, liv- 
ing about two miles from Britt's Landing. I know very little 
about him, but should think that some small present, having a 
money value, and yet not money, would be most acceptable to 
him. 

There is no post-office in his vicinity; anything sent to him, 
in care of Mr. Britt, at Britt's Landing, would probably reach 
him; or sent to the care of W. N. Cherry, at Savannah. He is 
one of our truest friends in that section, and would be pleased 
to do you a kindness. 

A kindly letter to ]\Ir. Britt would gratify him; perhaps 
some trifling remembrance of his humane efforts to restore the 
body might be appropriate. 

Capt. Fosdick, of the 29th Indiana Eegt. Vol. did good serv- 
ice. The body was in such a state of decomposition that but 
few persons coiUcl have undressed, and handled, and washed it. 
He did it as tenderly as if his own kinsman was receiving his 
last offices of affection. He is a physician. You can judge 
what evidence of appreciation will be best. 

As to the $1,000 reward: I don't think any one claims any 
reward. Clearly, no one is entitled to it. The finding was by 
parties who had never heard of the offer, who had spent no time 
for the purpose, and was entirely ' accidental. 

The conduct of the finders was anything but commendable. 
The parties who were subsequently instrumental in its restora- 
tion to friends cannot certainly think of claiming any reivard. 
The presents above indicated will, I think, be entirely satis- 
factory. 

With sentiments of condolence with the friends of this noble- 
hearted man, who is now beyond the further service of friends 
or country on earth, I am, very respectfully. Your obedient 
servant, 

Wm. p. Mellen. 
9 [ 129 ] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [iS62^ 



MILITARY CLAIMS 

The two following Special Messages refer to claims against 
the State for military services : 

Executive Depaktment, 

Madison, June 9, 1862. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

Claims, amounting to some four or five thousand dollars are 
in the files of this office and the several military offices, for the 
subsistence of volunteers, principally of the 2d Cavalry Regi- 
ment, Col. Washburn commanding. The officers engaged in 
raising the companies so subsisted, were, of course, commissioned 
by the Executive, but there is scarcely a case where any author- 
ity was given to place men at board at the expense of the State, 
since that regiment was raised by independent authority from 
the War Department ; and all bills should be paid by the United 
States mustering officer, as were the bills for the 1st and 3d 
Cavalry, likewise raised under special authority. 

The United States mustering officer, Capt. J. ]\I. Trowbridge, 
however, declines to audit and pay the subsistence bills, on the 
grounds that they are, in fo.rra, made out against the State of 
Wisconsin, 

I herewith transmit a copy of a communication recently re- 
ceived from Capt. Trowbridge on this subject. I cannot but 
think that there existed at the date of the letter from Assistant 
Adjutant General Ruggles, an entire misapprehension on his 
part of the character of these bills, since they can, by no proper 
construction, be deemed "claims against the State of Wiscon- 
sin." The action of the United States mustering officer also 
extended back several months anterior to May 16th, 1862, as to 
his refusal to pay the bills, and they are of precisely the same 
nature as those audited and paid here at Madison by Capt. 
Lamott, the U. S. mustering officer on duty in this locality. 

However this may be, the parties who furnished the subsis- 
tence are clearly entitled to their pay, and should have been 

[ 130 ] 



i862] A SOUTHERN APPEAL 

paid long since. If there were adequate funds in the Treasury 
for war purposes, I should not hesitate to direct the payment of 
these bills, in the certainty that the State would be re-imbursed 
by Government ; but in the existing condition of the "War Fund, 
I have deemed it my duty, in justice to the claimants, to lay the 
subject before the Legislature.®" 

Edward Salomon, Governor. 



Executive Department, 

Madison, June 11, 1862. 
To the Honorcible the Legislature: 

I hereby lay before you the memorial of Patrick Sullivan, 
claiming payment for his services as a recruiting officer of the 
19th Regiment "Wisconsin Volunteers. His claims, as well as 
those of several other persons similarly situated, could not be 
recognised by me as proper claims against the State, as that 
regim.ent was not called for by the State authorities, but was 
originally a purelj^ independent regiment. 

I also have the honor to lay before you a copy of certain 
resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of Maryland, and 
transmitted to me by the Governor of that State, with the re- 
quest to submit those resolutions to your attention.*^ 

Edward Salomon, Governor. 



80 No action appears to have been taken. — Ed. 

81 This resolution, dated Feb. 22, 1862, calls upon the Northern 
states to cease agitating the slavery question. Its spirit was in 
accord with Lincoln's policy at the beginning of the war, of conciliat- 
ing the slave-holding interests in loyal border states. — Ed. 



[131] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 



A VETO MESSAGE 

Executive Department, 

Madison, June 17, 1862. 
To the Honorable the Senate: 

I herewilli return to you No. 399, S, entitled "an act to 
provide for the enrollment and organization of the militia of 
the State of "Wisconsin," for your reconsideration. My objec- 
tions to the bill a,re manifold. I will specify some of them. 

The bill divides the militia into "enrolled militia" and "ac- 
tive militia." The first tv^elve sections treat exclusively of 
"the enrolled militia." This enrollment of the militia seems 
to be of no particular service except to furnish information as 
to the number of men in the State liable to military duty. This 
"enrolled militia" is not to be organized or officered unless 
called into active service. The mode of doing this, provided 
by section 6, by "written notice or orally," is objectionable on 
account of its delay and impracticability. Section 7 pro\'ides 
that a person ordered out and neglecting to appear shall be 
taken to be a soldier absent without leave, unless he pays twenty- 
five dollars; but what punishment, if any, a soldier absent with- 
out leave shall receive, is no where provided for in the bill. The 
same objection exists to section 72. 

By section 8 the "Enrolled Militia," when called into active 
service of the State, or of the United States, is to be paid hy 
the State. Under this section the State would have to pay the 
militia though they might be in the service of the United States. 
The reference of "section four," occurring in the third line of 
that section, is a mistake. 

Section 10, while making numerous exemptions from military 
duty, omits to exempt the State officers, members of the legis- 
lature, and practicing physicians. 

Some parts of the bill, and especially section 12, seems to 
pre-suppose the existence of officers, yet no provision is made 

[ ^32 ] 



^^^1 MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT 

for their appointment until after this militia is called into ac- 
tive service. 

The system of organizing a volunteer, "active militia," pro- 
posed by this bill, is liable to many objections. 

The circuitous manner of organizing a company, provided by 
sections 14, 15, 16 and 17, is much less practicable and speedy 
than our present mode of organizing uniformed companies. 

By section 15 an officer is to be detailed to inspect certain 
persons, but no provision is made for paying that officer, and 
no guaranty existing that the persons he is called upon to in- 
spect will enlist. 

Under section 14, the State is to be divided into eight military 
districts, and by sec. 19, the volunteer companies in each dis- 
trict shall constitute a battalion, two battaliocs a regiment, 
etc. Thus if there should be but one company in one district, 
that would form a battalion, and three or four in another dis- 
trict would also m.ake up a battalion. This would evidently 
lead to very unequal and incongruous divisions. 

Among the military staff-officers of the Governor the bill 
omits a Commissary General and a Paymaster General, two 
very important officers in time of war, as the experience of the 
past year has shown. 

I have failed to discover any good reason for section 39. 

By section 43. and other provisions of the bill, the office of 
the Adjutant General is made one of considerable labor and 
responsibility ; yet his salary is only fixed at $500 per annum, 
and $400 that of his clerk. Should this bill become a law it 
would be impossible to find a competent person willing to dis- 
charge the duties of that already onerous office, for such a 
salary. 

Sections 44, 51, 54, 59, 60, 61, 62 and 72 provide for fines for 
the use of the company; while the Constitution prescribes that 
all fines sholl inure to the benefit of the school fund. The same 
objections may be made to the moneys mentioned in section 7. 

The effect of the proviso of section 14 is destroyed by a cleri- 



[ 1.33 ] 



• ' GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

eal but fatal mistake. The words "a less number/'' should 
read ''the full number." 

The provision in section 72, that every Boldier, when ordered 
out, shall take with him provisions for not less than three days, 
seems to me objectionable. This should be left to the order of 
commanding officers. 

The power conferred on commanders of brigades and regi- 
ments by section 69, is, in my view, a dangerous and unneces- 
sary one, an improper exercise of which may subject the State 
to large and unnecessary expenses. It seems to me that this 
power ought to be left to the Commander-in-Chief. 

There is no provision in the bill for furnishing transporta- 
tion to the active militia when called out. 

The sections in relation to courts martial and courts of in- 
quiry are also objectionable. The superior, not the senior of- 
ficer should preside. No provision is made for furnishing a 
copy of charges to field officers. The Major General seems not 
to be liable to be brought before any court martial, as by sec- 
tion 82 the presiding officer shall always be of a rank superior 
to that of the officer on trial. This system of courts martial and 
courts of inquiry, if carried into extensive operation, might sub- 
ject the State to large and often unnecessary expenses. It 
seems to me that this subject might properly be left to such re- 
gulations as the Commander-in-Chief might make, conforming 
as necrly as possible to the rules and regulations of the United 
States Army. 

While strongly impressed v/ith the necessity of having, in 
the future, a better and more effective system of militia in our 
State, I am also well convinced that the bill under consideration 
would not give us such a better system. 

Another reason for withholding my signature to this bill, is 
that, as appears by the printed journal of the Assembly, it was 
not passed by calling the yeas and nays in that House. This 
should have been done, as section 114 makes the necessary ap- 
propriation of money, without which the provisions of the bill 
could not be carried into efTeet. 

Edward Salomon, Governor. 

[134] 



i862] AMID PUBLIC DANGERS 



1862. Special Legislative Session, September 10-26 

The Governor having, by Proclamation, convened a Special 
Session of the Legislature to meet on September 10, to transact 
^'business of great public importance," he transmitted to each 
House by his Private Secretary, the following 

SPECIAL MESSAGE 

Executive Office, 

Madison, Sept. 10, 1862. 

To the Honorable the Senate and Assembly: 

Fellow Citizens — Under the power granted by the Consti- 
tution of our State, I have convened you at this time in order 
to lay before you several matters of great public importance 
which, in my opinion, require immediate action on your part. 
In this time of public commotion and danger it behooves us 
all, and especially those who are placed at the head of the Com- 
monwealth, to examine carefully and closely our situation, and, 
if possible, to guard against dangers that may suddenly arise, 
and, finding us unprepared, bring upon us endless troubles and 
misery. In this respect we have learned much within the last 
year. Had the full extent and power of the Southern rebellion 
been understood by the loyal people — had their full strength 
been sooner called into activity — we should not now have to 
lament the recent reverses of our arms, and again see our Capi- 
tal beleaguered and in danger.®^ When, prior to your adjourn- 
ment, the President of the United States had called for addition- 
al seventy-five thousand men to strengthen our national army, 
we all fondly hoped that that would be the last call for troops, and 
rested in perfect security, relying upon the army then in the 



82 The decisive reverses of the Union forces at Cedar Mountain and 
Second Bull Run, together with the disaster at Harpers Ferry and 
the entrance of Lee into Maryland, came in rapid succession during 
August and early September. — Ed. 

[135] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

field and the latent power of the North, We were sadly mis- 
taken. Six hundred thousand more men have since then been 
called for, and while every exertion is made to send them to the 
rescue, our army is compelled to retreat before an enemy sup- 
erior in numbers. Week after week necessarily passes in ^the 
herculean task of organization, and the new troops are hurried 
to the field without ^having had time to learn the most necessary 
military drill and discipline. What valuable time has not been 
lost because most of the States were utterly unprepared to meet 
the call of the nation ? This may not be the last call for troops. 
The nation should not again be found sleeping while this gi- 
gantic struggle lasts; and it rests with the people of the several 
loyal States to prepare themselves for future emergencies. 

Again : it is evident that, to meet further calls, it is necessary 
to rely upon a system of drafting or conscription, and what- 
ever may have been the popular prejudice against this sys- 
tem, it will soon be generally conceded that it is the true and 
best mode of speedily calling out the military power of the 
country. But in order to make this system a just, equitable 
and effective one, legislation is necessary. When the call of 
the President was made for the 300,000 drafted militia, no law 
existed, or does now exist in our State, for drafting, and hence 
I had to rely upon regulations of the War Department to an- 
swer the call.'^' The enrollment of the militia had for years 
been neglected in our State, and although I had long before 
called upon the assessors to make the enrollment as required, 
I found that, in the absence of proper regulations for the purpose, 
such enrollm'ent would be utterly incomplete and inefficient. 
Prompt action was necessary, and hence, I instructed the Sher- 
iffs of the counties to make the enrollment, which is probably 
now completed throughout the State. 

The apportionment of the number of men required from each 
town, city, ward, or county, should have been based upon the 



83 For the draft regulations of the War Department see Rebellion 
Records, gen. index, undet "drafts." — Ed. 

[136] 



i862] CONSCRIPTION SUGGESTED 

number of men liable to military duty therein, but in the ab- 
sence of any emollrnent, I could only make such apportionment- 
according to the number of inhabitants. Volunteering being 
permitted to a given date only by the General Government to 
apply to the drafted militia, it became necessary to assign at 
least to each county its quota of men immediately, and that 
could only be done according to the number of inhabitants ; and 
even now it will not be practicable to make another apportion- 
ment, as that would require returns of the enrolled militia from 
the entire State, which have not yet reached us, and further de- 
lay than is absolutely necessary would not be warranted by the 
critical condition of our country. Whatever number, therefore, 
may be required to fill our quota for the past calls of the Gov- 
ernment, will have to be drafted under regulations already 
made. 

It seems also hardly proper, and certainly is contrary to the 
regiilations dictated by long experience of other countries, where 
conscription has always and does now exist, that all able bodied 
men between the ages of 18 and 45 years should be called upon 
to draw lots without any regard to other circumstances. In my 
viev/, men between 18 and 35 years of age should first be called 
out and that class exhausted before men between 35 and 45 
should be compelled to go. A distinction might also properly 
be made between married and unmarried men; exemptions 
should be made as in all civilized countries, in certain eases 
where of the same family several are already in the service and 
one has remained at home as the supporter of the family. 

In case of a further demand for troops, State regulations, 
under the sanction of the legislative power, should exist for 
these and other points. 

A few weeks ago the public was startled and shocked by the 
news of an Indian raid and massacre in one of our neighboring 
States.^* This attack of the savages in Minnesota, was followed 



s* See Frederic L. Paxson, The Last American Frontier (New York, 
19107, p. 234.— Ed. 

[137] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

immediately by calls upon me from our own frontier in the north- 
ern and northwestern part of the State for arms, ammunition 
and men. So far as lay in my power, I immediately and 
promptly answered those calls by sending all our State arms 
and all the ammunition at my disposal, into the regions threat- 
ened with danger; but in the absence of any military organi- 
zation under sanction of law, I had to trust these arms to some 
reliable men in the different localities. There are thousands of 
Indians in our State hovering upon the frontier settlements. 
Evidence has been furnished to me that leaves little doubt in my 
mind that all the northern tribes of Indians, including those in 
our own State, have been tampered witb hy Southern emissaries 
in the employ of the rebels, to induce them to form a league and 
to commence ^varfare upon the borders of the loyal States. The 
recent outbreak in Minnesota, I am Avell satisfied, must be 
ascribed to rebel influence. 

The fearful consequences of an unexpected attack of these 
savages upon our peaceful communities can hardly be imagined ; 
but the recent panic in some of the most densely populated parts 
of our State, must be a solemn w'arning to us to be prepared. 
After the regiments now in organization in our State shall have 
left, the savage warriors within our borders, if incited to sim- 
ilar atrocities as the Sioux tribe in Minnesota, could plunder 
and murder our peaceful citizens by thousands, if we do not 
arm and prepare ourselves. We cannot rely upon protection 
by the strong arm of the General Government in such an 
emergency; its help would be too tardy. "When the l^Iinne- 
sota massacre occurred, and the citizens of our frontier counties 
sent in requests and delegations to me, I immediately applied 
to the Secretary of War, Mr. Stanton, by telegraph, for arms 
and ammunition. After repeated dispatches stating our con- 
dition, and asking for ammunition, and after many days' elapse 
an answer came from that officer saying that he did not know 
that there were Indians in Wisconsin ! The time and attention 
of the Secretary of War is evidently and naturally so much 
engrossed with the movements of our great armv, that prompt 

[ 138 ] 



J862] conscription SUGGESTED 

action can hardly be expected in case of any disturbances on 
our frontier. After more tiian two weeks from the time of the 
Massacre, Minnesota was yet witliout suilicient arms, and ap- 
plied to us for aid. I trust and hope that no such disturbances 
will arise in our State,**^ but the surest mode of avoiding danger 
is to be prepared for it. "We should become familiar with the 
thought that in the present condition of our country we must 
become a warlike people; every community should be prepared 
to defend itself. 

To be able then promptly to answer future calls of the Gen- 
eral Government for troops; to be able to send into the field 
men who know at least the rudiments of drill and how to use a 
.gun; to be able to defend our own firesides against attacks and 
invasion, cur State should have an effective o.rganization of the 
militia, and a sufficient supply of arms and ammunition, and 
should have it nov/. Our present laws are insufficient for this 
purpose; they were not made for such times or emergencies; 
our supply of arms is too small, and for ammunition we have 
to rely on the Government at Washington. 

Perhaps eirenrastances will not permit yen to enact at the 
present time, an entirely new and vrell digested militia system, 
watli all its details. I would therefore recommend that by some 
few and general enactments amending the present militia law, 
provision be made for the immediate organization, the neces- 
sary drill, and the calling into active service in case of neces- 
sity of the militia of our state ; that provision be made for 
drafting militia in case of need to serve out of the state, and 
for the purchase of the necessary arms and ammunition. This 
would answer for our present emergencies until the next regu- 
lar session of the legislature. A military board or commission 
might, however, be created with instructions to prepare a com- 
jjlete milita system, to be laid before the next Legislature. For 
present organization the recent enrollment made by the sheriffs 
v\^ould probably be sufficient, and it might be adopted as a 
basis. 



85 Wisconsin Indians were comparatively quiet during the war. — Ed. 

[139] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

Another subject to which I desire to call your attention at 
the present time is the enactment of a law which shall give the 
soldiers from this state now in the army the right to vote at. 
the nest general election. After our quota shall have been filled 
we shall have about 48,000 men in the army of the Union. 
Among these, it is safe to presume there are at least 40,000 
voters, who certainly have as deep, if not a deeper interest in 
the welfare of the state and Union, and in the policy that shall 
guide their counsels in their representative halls as those who 
have remained at home. The views of these brave and patri- 
otic men should be heard through the ballot box, and should 
have proper weight in shaping the destiny of our imperilled 
country. "Who votes m^ist bear arais, was the just decision of 
the Secretary of "War; who bears arm.s should not be disfran- 
chised, but be permitted to vote, should be the policy of the 
country. There is nothing, I believe, in our Constitution which 
would prohibit the enactment of such a law. On the contrary, 
Section 4 of Article 3, provides that "No person shall be 
deemed to have lost his residence in this State by reason of his 
absence on business of the United States or of this State.'* 
This at least indicates that the spirit of our Constitution is 
against disfranchisement of our soldiers; justice seems to de- 
mand that they should be rewarded in a different manner for 
their patriotism than by a loss of one of the most important 
rights of citizenship, especially in the present crisis, and it 
VfSts therefore with you to say whether our election laws shall 
be so amended as to permit the taking of the soldier's vote. It 
is believed that a law could, without much difficulty, be framed 
for this purpose, so that the soldiers may vote for the most im- 
portant public officers at least; for State officers and for their 
respective representatives in Congress, and the State Legis- 
lature.*^ 



86 Wis. Gen. Laws, ex. sess., 1862, chap. 11, enabled Wisconsin sol- 
diers in the army to exercise their right of suffrage. The military 
vote for President and Governor in the election of 1864 is given in 
Legislative Manual (Madison, 1865"), pp. 172, 185. — Ed. 

[140] 



TI862] VOLUNTEER AID FUND 

The three field officers, or in their absence the three ranking 
officers of each regiment, and three highest commissioned offi- 
cers, or those acting in their places, of each battery of artillery 
or each company or squadron of infantry or cavalry on de- 
tached service, might be made the inspectors of the election, 
with power to appoint the proper person clerk of the election 
so that the vote may be taken on the day fixed by the Constitu- 
tion. 

I consider such a law a matter of simple justice, as well as 
of great importance, andv trust therefore that it will meet with 
your approbation. 

Another subject that should receive your attention is the 
condition of our Volunteer Aid Fund. 

The payments made from that fund from Jan- 
uary 1st to the present time are $211,556.26 

averaging nearly $30,000 month. 

The payments will average at least two months 
in arrear. Including arrearages to meet the 
demands upon the Volunteer Aid Fund, say 
to the middle of next February, will require 
]iioney enough for eight months' payments, 
which, at $30,000 per month will amount to. . $240,000.00 
"To meet this there is now in the Fund subject to 

draft for this purpose about 90,000.00 

Leaving a deficiency of $150,000 00 

Should the aid he continued throughout the next year it 
will require at least $360,000, without extending it to any of 
the regim-ents after the 20th. 

This deficiency of $150,000 arises mainly from the fact that 
since the appropriation was made by you for this purpose last 
spring, the volunteer aid has been extended to the 20th regi- 
ment, and that it was supposed that after final settlement with 
the United States of our war claims, and after payment of our 
war debts, there would remain a surplus of about $100,000 to 

[ 141 ] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [^^62- 

go into the Volunteer Aid Fund. This calculation was prob- 
ably correct, but although our vouchers have lung since been 
transmitted to the Treasury Department at Washington, we 
have not yet been able to obtain a final settlement of our ac- 
counts, and after another advance of $110,000 made by the 
General (jiovernmeiit, which has been used in part payment 
of our war debts, any further advance has been refused until 
tinal settlement. Jt is very difficult to conjecture when the De- 
pai'tments at Wasliington will be ready for that final settlement. 

Unless you should therefore deem it desirable to change the 
law in relation to tiie volunteer aid, provision should be made 
now to include in our State tax the .$150,000, in order to carry 
payments from that Vund to the middle of February next, and 
an additional $360,000 to cover next year's payments. I can- 
not advise a further issue of State bonds IVt this purpose, as 
the commisvsioners for the negotiation of the last $200,000 found 
it not without difficulty to dispose of them at par. and as it 
seems much more advisa])le to raise the necessary money for 
this pur-pose now by tax, than to sell our bonds below par.*^ 

Up to the time tliat I discontinued the active duties and 
pay of Paymaster- General, the employees in our military offices 
had received pay-rolls and other vouchers from the Paymaster- 
General for their salaries, but when tbe duties of that officer 
were discontinued, it was found that no provision existed by 
Avhich 1bo Secretary of State could audit the claims for palary 
of these clerks. I have since that time, been compelled to pay 
thepe employees from a few thousand dollars that remained 
suliject to my draft of the .$200,000 fund created for general 
war purposes, by chapters 239 and 307, of the Laws of 1861. 
This money, however, is nearly all exhausted, while the force 
of clerks in the Executive office, and in that of the Adjutant 



87 Wis. Oen. Laws, ex. sess., 1862, chap. 4, extended the benefits of 
the Volunteer Aid Law to all regiments raised or still to be raised 
within the State, and levied a special tax of $275,000 for the use off 
the fund. — Ed. 

[142] 



i862] APPEAL TO PATRIOTISM 

General, has necessarily to be, and continues to be, pretty large, 
under the present and prospective great pressure of business. 
Provision should therefore be made for the payment of these 
employees.'^^ 

You have assembled here at a dark hour in the history of 
our country, the recent reverses of our arms cast a gloom upon 
every loyal countenance ; the Union army in the East has strug- 
gled for over a year, our troops have fought nobly — and many 
a loyal and brave soul has expired upon the battle field. We 
deemed ourselves victorious but a short time ago ; suddenly 
all is changed, our array obliged to retreat, our National Capi- 
tal again in danger, the enemy's army in Maryland. All this, 
however, should not make us despond, but only kindle anew 
the fire of patriotism in our hearts and arouse us to new exer- 
tions and new energy. 

The fortunes of war are not always on the same side. "We 
have been too confident in the slumbering power of the North; 
conscious of our strength we have not called it into action 
soon enough. But the people of the loyal States have with 
wonderful alacrity responded to the recent calls of the Gov- 
ernment for 600,000 more men. They are now being hurried 
to the endangered •Doints. and while the traitorous South has 
exhausted its resources of men, we can send, if necessary, an- 
other 600.000 soldiers to overwhelm and crush the rebellion. 
Let the Peonle of the loyal States remain united and true to 
our flag, our government and our constitution, and we shall 
not be obliged to see a dishonorable peace and dismemberment 
of the Union ! 

Edward Salomon, Governor. 



88 J6i(Z. chap. .5, authorized the Secretary of State to audit the 
salary claims of these clerks. — Ed. 



[ 1-43 ] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1^62^ 



AN APPEAL TO THE LEGISLATURE 

Executive Office, 

Madison, Sept. 25, 1862. 
To the Hon. the Legislature: 

A bill has been passed during yonr present session extending 
the benefits of the volunteer aid law to the families of all 
soldiers in the field now, or in regiments now being organized 
or hereafter to be raised for the United States service in this 
state. ®^ I regret to say that I do not find among the bills 
which have passed the legislature, that adequate means have 
been provided to meet the very largely increased expenditure 
thus contemplated. It is estimated that nearly or quite $2,000 
per day will be required to meet the requisitions of the laws 
already passed, including the extension to the new regim'ents 
which you have provided for. The tax of $275,000 which has 
been directed to be levied will not be sufficient to meet the 
necessities of the ease until another tax can be levied and col- 
lected ; and if it were sufficient in amount, will not be paid in 
and available until considerable time has elapsed, in which, 
there will be no money in the treasury to pay the claims aris- 
ing under the laws referred to. There must inevitably be 
two months or more, during which these claims cannot be paid. 

The legislature, by passing these volunteer or bounty laws, 
has told the families of our soldiers — in effect, pledged to them 
the faith of the state — that they might expect the promised 
aid promptly, on proper application and verification of their 
claim, and those families are induced to place reliance upon 
the promise. Small as the amount is, it is in very many cases 
the sole reliance of the family for many of the necessaries of 
life. If the legislature, in its wisdom, shall deem it not advis- 
able to continue the bounty, it would without doubt be a very 
great hardship to the families of the soldiers; but it would, 



89 76td, chap. 4. — Ed. 

[144] 



i862] soldiers' claims 

in my judgment, be better than to hold out the promise and 
encourage the hope of obtaining the bounty, and still to neglect 
to furnish the means of paying it. In the former case there 
would at least be no hopes raised to be disappointed on applica- 
tion to the proper officers of the state, and those officers would 
not, as they have been on former occasions, be burdened with 
the heavy task of an enormous correspondence occupied in re- 
fusing applications, and making apologies. 

I trust that the legislature "\\411 not adjourn without mak- 
ing the" necessary provision of law to enable the state officers 
to meet promptly all claims of the families of the gallant men 
who are absent, periling their lives in their country's cause.'" 
James T. Lewis, Acting Governor. 



»o The matter was referred to a joint committee, which recommended 
a tax levy of $150,000 and a bond issue for an additional $150,000. 
The Legislature, however, adjourned without further action. — Ed. 



10 



I 145 ] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1^62^ 

1862. In Legislative Recess 

The Governor issued the following 

THANKSGIVING DAY PROCLAMATION 

To the people of Wisconsin: 

Amidst the manifold vicissitudes and calamities that have 
befallen and surrounded us, threatening the life of our nation, 
and the lives of so many of its heroic and noble sons, it pecul- 
iarly becomes us to turn with grateful hearts to the Supreme 
Being for the many blessings we have enjoyed, and the afflic- 
tions we have been spared. 

The horrors and devastations of war, so fiercely raging 
around us, have not touched the border of our State ; except- 
ing the brave men who have rallied around our country's flag 
in this time of peril; our citizens have been permitted to pur- 
sue their peaceful avocations; our harvest, though not as abund- 
ant as Providence sometimes has pleased to grant us, has yet 
well compensated the labor bestowed upon it, and well filled 
our houses and barns; the savage tribes upon our border set- 
tlements, so threatening at one time to our peace, have been 
quieted, and kept under surveillance.*'^ 

The great cause of our nation, it is true, has not triumphed 
yet over its enemies, but neither has it yet failed; the enemy 
has been driven from the soil of the loyal States; our army 
has been reinforced by hundreds of thousands of brave, pa- 
triotic and noble men ready to do battle, and, if necessary to 
die for the integrity of the Union; our resources and energies 
are unimpaired; we have reason to be hopeful for the future, 
and therefore thankful for the past. 

The loyalty, honor, and patriotism of the State of Wiscon- 



91 Cf ante, p. 137, note 84.— Ed. 

[146] 



1^2] ' DRAFT RIOTS 

sin has been nobly sustained by her brave sons upon every 
field of battle where they have been called upon to vindicate 
our national flag. The just pride which we feel in the bravery 
of our noble soldiers should fill our hearts with gratitude to- 
Almighty God, wiio has sustained them in their hour of triaL- 

For these and other uncounted blessings which the infinite 
goodness of God has vouchsafed to us during the past year,, 
we should thank Him from' the depth of our hearts. And 
therefore, and in accordance with a time honored custom, I 
do hereby appoint THURSDAY,THB 27TH DAY OF NO- 
VEMBER, 1862, AS A DAY OP THANKSGIVING ANI> 
REST, and recommend to the people of this State on that day 
to abstain from secular labor, and to assemble at their usual 
places of worship to show their grateful hearts to the benefi- 
cent Ruler of the Universe, and to pray for a speedy sup- 
pression of the rebellion, and for peace to our distracted coun- 
try. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed by name, 
and caused the Great Seal of State to be affixed tliis 31st day 
of October, A. D. 1862. 

Edw^vrd Salomon, Governor. 



DRAFT RIOTS REBUKED 

In November, 1862, the Governor addressed the following- 
Proclamations to the people of Ozaukee and Milwaukee coun- 
ties, wherein there had been armed resistance to the draft: 

To the People of Ozaukee County: 

Information has reached me of a disgraceful and violent dis- 
turbance of the public peace and forcible resistance to the 
draft, accompanied with personal violence to the Commissioner 
for drafting, and other persons, and destruction of private and 

[147] 



' GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862^ 

public prcperty in your county.'^- I have taken steps to have 
the perpetrators and abettors of these crimes promptly ar- 
rested. They, as well as every person interfering with or re- 
sisting the draft, will be arrested and punished according to 
the Proclamation of the President of the United States, of 
September 25th, 1862.^2 

It is one of the inherent and necessary powers of every 
government to call upon its citizens, or subjects, to take up 
arms in its defence. This power exists, beyond question, in 
the Government of the United States. An act of Congress haa 
Authorized the President to call out the Militia, and the draft 
ordered in this state, as in all other loyal states, is made in 
pursuance of that act of Congress. Eesistance by you to the 
Government of the United States, or of this State, is both 
wrong and vain, and can only lead to calamity and misfortune 
to those who attempt it. The draft will be executed in your 
County as v*^ell as in every other county in the State, where 
it has been ordered. 

I have sent a sufficient Military power into your County under 
the command of the special Provost-Marshal of the State, ap- 
pointed by the President of the United States for such and 
other purposes, in order to arrest those wiio are guilty of the 
recent violent resistance to tlip '^Irpft, and to see that the draft 
is properly enforced in your County, and I now call on you to 
Make no further resistance to the lawfully constituted author- 
ities, but to submit to the laws cf the country. 

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State, at 
Madison, this 11th day of November, in the year of our Lord 
One Thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. 

Edward Salomon. 



92 The details of the Ozaukee riot are published in E. B. Quiner, 
Military History of Wisconshi (Chicago', 1866), p. 145. — Ed. 

93 This proclamation may be found in J. G. Nicolay and J. Hay, 
Works of Airaham Lincoln (New York, 1905), ii, p. 239. — Ed. 

r uS 1 



^^^^] DRAFT RIOTS 

To the People of Milwaukee County: 

Information has reached me of threats and public demon- 
strations made against the execution of the draft for militia in. 
your county. 

By the Constitution of the United States, the supreme law 
of the land, it is provided that, "Congress shall have power to 
provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of 
the Union, suppress insurrection, and repel invasion." In pur- 
suance of this prevision, Congress has authorized the Presi- 
dent of the United States to call forth the militia, cr a portion 
of the militia of the States, to suppress insurrection, and the 
President has accordingly called forth a part of the militia 
of each state, and for that purpose ordered the present draft. 
By the orders of the President this draft was to be made in 
all tile states on the third day of September last past, but ow- 
ing to the want of an enrollment of the militia in our State as 
well as in m.-my others, it was subsequently ordered that the 
draft should be made by the Governors in the several states as 
soon as possible after the first day appointed. 

This draft is therefore made in pursuance of the Constitu- 
tion and laws of the United States, and must be obeyed. Re- 
sistance to it is resistance to the laws of the United States. 
It bas already been executed in most of our loyal sister States, 
and must he executed in this State. 

The President as the Commander-in-chief of the army of the 
United States, and of the militia of the several States when 
called into actual service, has further, by his proclamation of 
Septem.ber 24tli, 1862, ordered that all persons resisting militia 
drafts shall be subject to courts-martial, liable to trial and 
punishment by courts-martial and railita,ry commission. 

Resistance to this draft is a violation of law that will bring 
swift, severe and condign punishment to those who should at- 
tempt it. As chief executive officer of this State, it is my 
duty to execute this draft. A sufficient military force has been 
employed to protect the officers who have been trusted with 
the execution of this law in your county, to enforce obedience 

[149] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1862- 

to it, and promptly to suppress any tumultuous or riotous pro- 
ceedings. 

I trust it will not become necessary to employ force in order 
to enforce the law and maintain peace in your community, but 
should it become necessary I shall not shrink from the re- 
sponsibilities which the laws impose upon me. Your county 
and its several towns and wards have been justly and fairly 
treated in the apportionment of the number of men required, 
and leniency was even shov/n you by extension of time in order 
that volunteers or substitutes might be provided. If blood- 
shed should occur, the responsibilities must fall upon the heads 
of those who resist the laws. I\ly duty is to see them enforced. 
The disgraceful scenes that recently occurred in a neighbor- 
ing county shall not be re-enacted in your community !^* 

I have thus lengthily addressed you, in order that those who 
may have rashly contemplated resistance to the majesty of the 
law, may, upon reflection, abandon it, and also to assure you 
that resistance will be in vain; misfortune, misery and pun- 
ishment alone can follow such resistance. A government that 
has a million of armed men in the field to enforce the laws in the 
revolted states, can and will speedily and promptly enforce 
ihem here. 

"Wherever resistance to this draft has been attempted in any 
other State, it has been promptly checked, and the draft has 
been enforced. Let those amongst you who have thought of 
resistance, think of the consequences that would overtake them 
and their families, and if love of our country^ and regard for 
its laws are insufficient to check their madness, let love for 
their families and regard for their own safety and welfare 
check them. Once more I call upon you quietly to submit to 
the lavrs of our country and its legally constituted authorities.^' 



94 The draft riots in Ozaukee County. — Ed. 

»"• No disturbances occurred in Milwaukee County. Cf. Quiner, 
Military Hist. Wis., p. 147 ff. — Ed. 

[150] 



^^^] DRAFT RIOTS 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name 
and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed, at Madison, 
this 17th day of November, A. D. 1862. 

Edward Salomon, Governor. 



[ 151 ] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 



1863. Sixteenth Annual Legislative Session, January 14- 

April 2 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention 
on January 15, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in which he made the following allusions to the war and the 
State's participation therein: 

Fellow citizens of the Senate and Assembly: 

The meeting of the Legislature, to which the people have,, 
under certain constitutional restrictions, transferred the sov- 
ereign legislative power of the State, is at all times an event of 
peculiar interest and importance, for its acts often have a direct 
influence, either for good or evil, upon the present and future 
welfare of the people. The condition of our national affairs 
with the past and passing events, and their bearing upon the 
prosperity and happiness of the people of this State, invest 
your meeting with still greater importance. Coming directly 
and fresh from the people as their representatives, to assist in 
carrying on the government of the State by making all neces- 
sary and needful laws, you will be m'ore familiar wdth the 
wishes and sentiments of those whom ycu represent, and many 
subjects of grave importance will undoubtedly present them- 
selves for action, requiring our best efforts to do justice to the 
trust reposed in us by our common constituents. 

GENERAL CONDITION, COMMERCE, AGRICULTURE, MANUFACTURES 

Our State has, during the past year, with the single excep- 
tion of a serious disturbance, in one of the counties,^^ enjoyed 
peace in its borders, and been free from the horrors of war 



96 See ante, p. 148, note 92. — En. 

[152] 



i863] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

surrounding us and interrupting the quiet of many of our 
sister States. 

Our commerce, which, in common with that of all other 
States, has suffered much for years from the effects of the fi- 
nancial and commercial crisis of 1857, has, during the past 
year, even under the disadvantages of the war, been prosperous, 
and is now conducted on a safer basis than it was before 1857, 
when the spirit of speculation and an unsound and too ex- 
tensive system cf credit led to the financial ruin of many. 
The opening of the Mississippi, in which, with other States, 
we have a direct interest even beyond that which the nation in 
general feels in the free passage of that great national thorough- 
fare, would give new and additional life to our commerce. It 
is to be hoped that the great efforts which are now made by 
our western army will speedily accomplish the work that has 
so long been interrupted, and will, by freeing the Mississippi 
from the obstructions of the enemy and bringing it under our 
control, deal a decisive blow to the rebellion and procure direct 
relief to the great loyal West.^'^ 



ENLAEGEJIENT OF ERIE CANAL AND FOX AND WISCONSIN RIVER 

IMPROVEMENT 

In this connection I desire to call your attention to the efforts 
which are now being made to procure an enlargement of the 
Erie canal by the National Government, which measure I under- 
stand is now liefore Congress, as one of military necessity." 



9" The capture of Island No. Ten and New Orleans, in April, 1862, 
and the reduction of Fort Pillow and Memphis in June, left the Con- 
federates in control of the Mississippi only at Vicksburg and its 
environs. The opening of the river was completed in July of 1863 with 
the capitulation of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Cf. John Fiske, The 
Mississippi Valley in the Civil War (Boston, 1900). — Ed. 

»8 Consult 37th Cong., 3d sess., Congressional Olol)e (Washington,, 
1863).— Ed. 

[153] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

I cannot more pointedly show the importance of such an en- 
largement to our agricultural interests and commerce, than by 
quoting a few passages from a letter addressed by the President 
of the Iliinois Central Railroad Company to the President of 
the State Agricultural Society of Illinois on that subject, of 
which a copy was sent to me: "The cultivation of the most 
fertile land in the world is almost rendered unprofitable through 
the unnecessary expense of handling and transferring our 
crops to tide- water. We are confined to a narrow water course. 
The Erie canal sufficed when the Northwest sent fifty millions 
of bushels of grain, but is utterly inadequate in taking off our 
present surplus of upwards of one hundred and fifty millions 
of bushels. It is almost idle to extend the internal improve- 
ments of the Northwest or to urge the farmers to produce more, 
while every acre cultivated adds to the volume of business 
which already chokes the narrow channels of the Erie canal 
and three trunk lines of railway. A broad water course from 
Lake Erie to the Hudson, through wliich cur lake vessels can 
float without breaking bulk, will cheapen the cost of transpor- 
tation to the point at v/hich we can supply the European mar- 
kets profitably under all circumstances." This letter, which 
contains many valuable suggestions, I will lay before any com- 
mittee you may appoint on this subject. 

The enlargement of the Fox and Wisconsin River Improve- 
ment, so as to make it of a capacity suitable for the passage of 
gun boats, will also, I learn, occupy the attention of our na- 
tional legislature. Its importance to our State can scarcely 
be overrated. The Improvement is now, as is claimed by the 
company charged with its building, nearly completed in the 
manner required by the laws of this State and the stipulations 
of that company, and is at present the only direct navigable 
water communication between the Mississippi and the great 
western lakes.^^ 



99 See J. B. Sanborn, "The Story of the Fox-Wisconsin Rivers Im- 
provement," in Wis. Hist. Soc. Proceedings, 1899 (Madison, 1900), pp. 
186-194.— Ed. I 

[154] 



^^^3] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

I would respectfully suggest that you memorialize Congress 
upon these two important national improvements, and call the 
attention of our Representatives in Congress thereto,^ 



WAR FUND 

The following is a summary of the transactions of the War 
Fund during the calendar year: 

Balance on hand Dec. 31st, 1861 $50 , 227 09 

Receipts 757,700 98 



Total amount $809 , 928 07 

Disbursements 760 , 929 72 



Balance in treasury Dec. 31st, 1862 $46,998 35 

The receipts in this fund are made up mainly of money re- 
ceived on sales of State bonds and advances made by the United 
States upon the claims of the State for war expenditure. The 
amount of these claims sent to the Secretary of the Treasury 
for e:'ramination and adjustment, is up to the present time 
$125,349 57. 
Of this amount there has been refunded to the state and 

passed to the War Fund $577,800 72 

Applied in payment of the direct tax due from the state. . . . 441,735 37 

Total amount refunded $1,019,546 09 

Leaving due the state the sum of 105 , 803 48 

1 In response to this recommendation, a memorial and a joint 
resolution were presented to Congress — the first urging the improve- 
ment for military reasons, the second for economic reasons; see Wis. 
Gen. Laws, 1863, Mem. no. 1, and Ibid, Jt. Res. no. 5. A bill providing 
for the enlargement of the Erie Canal and the improvement of the 
Fox and Wisconsin rivers was shortly after presented to the Senate 
by Senator Doolittle of Wisconsin; a similar bill was introduced in 
the House by Congressman Allison of Iowa. Congress, however, took 
no action. — Ed. 

[ 155 ] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1^63- 

ii is a source of great gratiiication to me that, in addition to- 
the settlement of the direct tax due from the State and amount- 
ing originally to the sum of $519,688 66, but reduced 15 per- 
cent, on account of having our vouchers filed in proper time, 
I was enabled to obtain an advance sutucient from the General 
Government upon our unsettled claims to enable the State to 
discharge all its outstanding, indebtedness on account of war 
expenses of last year. Under the great pressure of business 
and the vast transactions of the U. S. treasury department, 
the examination and settlement of these State claims progress, 
but very slovvdy, and great embarrassment would have resulted 
to the State and its creditors, had these liberal advances not 
obviated the difficulties. No further advance can however now 
be counted upon, as the margin left for accounts that may not 
be allowed is already a very small one, and as the financial 
embarrassments of the General Government v/ould also pre- 
vent further advances. 

The sources of income, then, to meet the expenditures of this 
fund during the present year will be confined to the tax of 
$275,000 provided at the extra session of last j^ear, and such 
other provisions as may be made by you to meet the demands 
upon this fund. These demands will be large, and in addi- 
tion to the necessary expenses of our military department, of 
state surgeons for cavalrj^ and artillery, and of taking care of 
our sick and wounded soldiers, will mainly consist of the ex- 
tra pay of $5 per month allowed to the soldiers, who have fam- 
ilies dependent upon them. It is estimated that this will re- 
quire $60,000 per month. The special tax of $275,000 will 
probably be exhausted in the month of March or April. The- 
State of "Wisconsin cannot permit the families of her brave 
soldiers to suffer for want of this additional pay — it should not 
be dipccntinued ; but I know of no way in which the money neces- 
sary for this purpose can be procured except by an additional 
loan. This subject will undoubtedly receive your most care- 



[156] 



^^3] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

ful consideration, and 3^011 will adopt such measures as your 
wisdom may dictate.- 

I will close this short financial review by stating that on the 
31st day of December, 1862, there was in the treasury as the 
whole amount of balance on hand, in all the different funds, the 
sum of $291,424 65. 



STATE UNIVERSITY 

The condition of the State University in an educational point 
of view, during the past year has been very satisfactory. Al- 
though a large number of the students have exchanged the 
musket and sword for their books and studies, and are serving 
our country in the ranks of the army, the number of students 
during the summer term was not much less than last year, and 
the number now in attendance I learn is larger than at any 
previous winter term. The University has able Professors, and 
as an institution of learning is a credit to the State.^ 

******** 

I feel it also my duty to urge upon you again the propriety 
of engrafting upon the University a professorship of military 
engineering and tactics, that our young men may have an op- 
portunity of studying military science, a study unfortunately 
too long neglected in the Northern States, and the necessity of 
which has become so apparent during our present national 
struggle.* 



2 Wis. Gen. Laios, 1863, chap. 139, provided for a special tax of 
1200,000 to be used for the relief of families of volunteers. — Ed. 

3 The total enrollment of the State University for the scholastic 
year 1861-62 was 129, of whom twenty-six entered the army. Military 
drill was maintained by the students for two-thirds of the year. See Uni- 
versity of Wisconsin, Report of Regents (Madison, 1862), app. C. — Ed. 

4 Military instruction was provided for in the State University by 
Wis. Gen. Laics, 1S66, chap. 114.— Ed. 

■ -,- T 

-^/ J 



[ir-^ 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 



NUMBEK OF TROOPS RAISED FOR TKE WAR, &C. 

Aside from the first .regiment for three months, Wisconsin 
had on the first of January, 1862, organized, equipped and 
sent to the field in response to calls made from the General 
Government, ten regiments of infantry, one company of cav- 
alry and one com'pany of sharp shooters, and there were then 
remaining in the State, organized or in process of organization 
and nearly completed, nine regiments of infantry, three regi- 
ments of cavalry, and ten batteries of artillery, which were all 
completed, and with two additional batteries, sent to the field 
during last winter and spring. Under orders from the War 
Department all recruiting for new as well as old regiments had 
ceased during last spring, when it became apparent that the 
gigantic efforts of the enemy, and losses and diminution of our 
own forces made an increase of the national army necessary. 
On the 2d day of May, 1862, a call was made for 75,000 men, 
for vrhich one regiment was required from our State, the or- 
ganization of which was immediately commenced. Owing how- 
ever to the previously mistaken policy of stopping all recruit- 
ing, which had the effect of turning the attention of those who 
shortly before were willing and anxious to volunteer in their 
country's defence, to other pursuits, and of engendering the 
belief that the necessities of the government would not re- 
quire an increase of the army to overthrow the rebellion, the 
organization of this regiment proceeded very slowly. On the 
second day of July, 1862, another call was made by the Presi- 
dent for 300,000 additional volunteers, and I was notified that 
Wisconsin was required to furnish five regiments of infantry 
as a part of its quota under this call. In order to insure the 
speedy organization of these troops, I divided the State into 
five regimental districts as nearly equal as possible in the num- 
ber of inhabitants, requesting the organization of one regi- 
ment in each district, and all possible efforts were made again 
to arouse the patriotism of the people to the new and pressing 

[158] 



i863] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

demands of the country. New York and other States com- 
menced a system of oifering State bounties to facilitate the 
raising of troops, uud arrangements were made by me to pro- 
cure a similar bounty in this State by private contributions 
and loans to be made upon the faith that the legislature would 
subsequently authorize the repayment of the money so raised. 
Before, however, the necessary preliminary arrangements for 
the collection and proper application of the funds for this in- 
tended State bounty were completed, on the 4th day of August, 
1862, the President of the United States required an additional 
force of 300,000 drafted militia to be furnished immediately, 
and ordered that if any of the States should not have furnished 
their quota of volunteers under the previous call by the fif- 
teenth of August, a draft should be made to fill the deficiency. 
The short time thus allowed for volunteering made the plan 
of procuring and offering a State bounty v^^holly impracticable, 
and it had to be abandoned, nor was there any necessity then 
to resort to such measures, as by the urgent, large and swiftly 
succeeding calls of the government, the well-known condition of 
our army in the field, and the stringent measures adopted to 
secure its immediate increase, the patriotism of the people was 
kindled anew in such a measure that war became the business 
of the whole people; commercial, agricultural and other ordin- 
ary pursuits almost ceased for a time; crops were left ungath- 
ered in the fields, and although the time was the most unfav- 
orable one in our State, when the largest part of the people 
w^ere engaged with the harvest and could ill afford to spare the 
laborers that were to be so suddenly and in so large a number 
transferred from the harvest to the battle field, yet with un- 
precedented zeal, disregarding all other ties and engagements, 
did the people of the State rally to the nation's call for help. 
Wlien the call for 300,000 drafted militia was announced to me 
by the Secretary of War, I was advised that for any excess of 
troops previously furnished by the State credit should be given, 
and subsequently that the number of drafted militia required 
from Wisconsin was 11,904. "Upon my repeated inquiries 

[159] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [I'^^a- 

whether the five regiments of infantry demanded under the 
call of 300,000 volunteers constituted our entire quota under 
that call, no answer was returned by the Secretary of War. 
As the time for furnishing volunteers for both calls was lim- 
ited to the fifteenth of August, and as the people of the several 
counties in the State were mostly anxious to furnish the re- 
quired number for the 600,000 men by volunteers, and thus 
he exempt from draft, or at least reduce the number of those 
to be drafted, it became necessary to assign to each county its 
quota of men, which was accordingly done, upon the supposi- 
tion, induced by the several orders of the Secretary of "War, 
that our entire quota was 5,000 under the call of 300.000 volun- 
teers, and 11,904 under the call for 300,000 drafted militia, ac- 
counting for the discrepancy between the two numbers by the 
excess of about 4,000 men, which I believed the State had pre- 
viously furnished. Subsequently to the assignment of the re- 
spective quotas to the counties, an order was made by the War 
Department that the old regiments, which had been much deci- 
mated, must also be filled, and that if not filled by the first of 
September a special draft would be ordered for the deficiency, 
and afterwards I was informed that the number required to fill 
our old regiments was 5,904. From the nature and language 
of the order, I construed this to be an additional call to the 
600,000 men, but the peculiar coincidence in numbers led to 
repeated inquiries on my part as to the true quota of the State 
under all calls, and to correspondence with the War Depart- 
ment, which disclosed the fact that the department considered 
our quota under each of the two last calls to be 11,904, i. e. 
23,808 ; that the number required for old regiments, if fur- 
nished, might be credited upon this number ; but also that, ow- 
ing undoubtedly to incomplete returns at the office of the Ad- 
jutant General in Washington, we had received credit only for 
21.000 men previously furnished, while according to our own 
records we had sent to the field 24,800 men, and had thus failed 
to receive credit for 3,800. Deducting these from the 23,808 
would leave our real quota 20,008 men instead of 16,808, as- 

[i6o] 



^^2] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

sumed as the true number in making the apportionment among 
the counties. Inasmuch as this error arose by erroneous and 
insufficient information received from the War Department — • 
owing undoubtedly to the great pressure of business in that 
department, and perhaps also to omissions or mistakes in tele- 
graphic communications — and because it would have been un- 
just in my opinion, to have increased the quotas of the counties 
after they had once been assigned and acted upon (for this in- 
formation was not received until after the time for volunteer- 
ing, except for old regiments, had expired), I did not feel at 
liberty to make any change in the quotas as once assigned, and 
so informed the department. 

After the call for drafted militia, the 20th regiment was 
speedily filled, and up to the 22d day of August, to which day 
volunteering had been extended, the number of volunteers re- 
ported, warranted the organization of thirteen new regiments, 
numbering from 21 to 33 inclusive. Two of these regiments 
were, however, deficient in number but I succeeded in obtaining 
a special order from the War Department authorizing the re- 
cruiting for these tw^o regiments to complete them, the govern- 
ment pajang advance bounty and advance pay. Of these the 
31st has since been completed, and is mustered into the U. S. 
service, ready to be sent to the field, and the 27th lacks but few 
men and will also soon be mustered. 

It is to be regretted that the policy of the General Govern- 
ment did not permit them to extend volunteering beyond the 
22d day of August, except for old regiments, as otherwise the 
State would probably have furnished the required number of 
men in volunteers. I very urgently and repeatedly asked for 
such an extension, assigning fully the reasons and especially the 
fact that a large number of persons were at that time engaged 
in harvesting, our State being mainly agricultural, and our 
harvest late. The principal reason of the refusal probably was 
the hope that the old regiments might thus be filled. 



11 [ i6i 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 



THE DRAFT 

Prior to the execution of the draft, it became necessary to 
enroll the militia. The enrollment required to be made by the 
assessors under our State laws,° had never been properly made^ 
and could not be relied upon for the purposes of the draft. 
Hence I caused an enrollment to be made under orders from 
the War Department, by appointing the Sheriffs enrolling offi- 
cers, requiring the lists to be publicly exposed for correction 
for three days in every town and ward of a city or village. I 
have thus secured a reasonably accurate enrollment; and in 
those towns and wards only where the people did not take suffi- 
cient interest in the matter to examine and see to the correct- 
ness of the rolls when exposed, or in a few localities where the 
deputies appointed by the Sheriffs did not do their duty and 
omitted to expose the rolls for examination, is the enrollment 
very defective. This enrollment shows 127,894 men liable to 
military duty, of which 28,012 were exempt by the commis- 
sioners for disability and other causes under existing laws 
and regulations. Judging, however, from the experience in the 
late draft, it is safe to presume that one-fourth part of those 
left on the rolls are entitled to exemption, they having failed 
to apply to the Commissioners in proper time. The number 
above given does not include the volunteers now in the army, 
except a few thousands who have since volunteered. As soon 
as the enrollment was completed, the draft was ordered in all 
the counties that had failed to fill their quota by volunteers, 
and was executed on or immediately after the 10th day of 
November, except in the county of Manitowoc, where the Com- 
missioner for drafting was absent, arid where, upon being satis- 
fied that gross injustice would be done to the people of that 
county by the improper action of the examining surgeon, I 
caused a re-examination of the enrolled militia to be made. 



e See Wis. Rev. Statutes, 1858, chap. 31, sec. 6, and Oen. Laws, 186$, 
chap. 242, sec. 8. — Ed. 

[ 162 ] 



^^^^] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

THis is now completed, and the draft will soon be perfected in 
that county. Excluding ]\Ianitowoc county, there have been 
drafted 4,455 men. 

Of these were discharged on account of errors in the quotas. . . . 299 

Reported in camps of rendezvous 2,341 

Subsequently discharged for disability and other causes of ^- 

emption, about 1 , OOO 

Leaving 1 , 285 

Of which 491 have volunteered for old regiments and in the 
27th and 31st. The balance have been organized in companies 
and assigned to the 34th regiment. Those who have not re- 
ported are considered as deserters, and their names have been 
furnished to the U. S. Special Provost Marshal, on whom de- 
volves the duty of arresting them, as well as other deserters 
from the army. 

This result shows that there are intrinsic errors in the regu- 
lations under which this draft had to be made. Conscription is 
in my judgment the best, the true and proper manner of call- 
ing into the field the military power of a country ; but in order 
to be effective, it should be governed by just, wise and proper 
regulations. Under the present law® and orders of the "War 
Department the man who is already beyond the prime of his 
life, whose constitution has been impaired by privations and 
hard labor, who has a large family dependent upon him for 
their daily bread, who by his industry and daily labor adds to 
the material wealth of the country, is as liable to be called out' 
as the young man in the vigor of life, with no one dependent 
upon him for support. "We should profit by the laws of other 
nations and let history teach us by the examples it furnishes. 
Napoleon's famous armies, raised by conscription, were made 
up of young men. At the extra session in September last, I 
called the attention of the Legislature to the necessity of mak- 



« Act of Congress, March 3, 1863.— Ed. 

[163] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

ing State laws and regulations upon the subject of drafting. 
They were not then acted upon, but experience must have since 
•convinced many how necessary such laws will become should 
we be required to furnish more troops. I then recommended that 
at least two classes should be made, the first to consist of those 
between 18 and 35 years of age, and the second of those be- 
tween 35 and 45 years old, the second not to be called upon 
until the first sloL.id have been exhausted. Perhaps even three 
classes might p.^operly be made, in order to insure first the ser- 
vices of those in the field whose labor at home might be most 
easily spared. Proper rules for exemption in cases of great 
hardship should also exist. Had such regulations been in force 
at the last draft, much of its apparent harshness, much of the 
suffering it now creates, and much of the opposition to it, would 
not have appeared. The manner of deciding upon exemptions 
from militaiy service should also be changed. Commissioners 
might be appointed to go from county to county to execute the 
draft, consisting of surgeons to examine the persons after they 
are drafted, and one or more commissioners to pass upon the 
claims of exemption. If a person drafted should be rejected, 
another might be drawn in his stead immediately. This would 
insure the required number, while it would probably obviate 
many of the complaints made on the ground that different rules 
of exemption had been adopted by the many different com- 
missioners and surgeons. Strict regulations should also be 
made to prevent an evasion of the draft by persons liable to it 
leaving the State immediately prior or subsequently to the 
draft. A system of passports for a short time would seem to 
he necessary. All such regulations, enacted by the direct rep- 
resentatives of the people in their State Legislature, would 
command more ready obedience and acquiescence. I most 
urgently recommend that you take this matter under your 
consideration and enact such laws upon the subject as in your 
"Wisdom may be just, effective, and as little oppressive as cir- 
cumstances will permit. I hope and trust that the army now 

[164] 



i863] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

gallantly facing the enemy, or ready to leave for the field of 
conflict, may be sufficient in numbers to end the war, but the 
past has taught us that we are often deceived in our hopes, and 
that we should be prepared for future emergencies/ 

It becomes my painful duty here to mention that serious dis- 
turbances took place in one of the counties in this State at 
the time of the execution of the draft therein.^ The proceed- 
ings of the draft were interrupted by a large and numerous 
body of armed men, who destroyed the militia rolls and ballot 
boxes, drove away and maltreated the commissioner of draft- 
ing, demolished his house, injured many other peaceable and 
law abiding citizens and destroj^ed the property of many per- 
sons who Avere obnoxious to them. On being advised of these 
disgraceful proceedings, which bore the character of open re- 
bellion, I took prompt measures to restore peace and enforce 
the draft. A large number of persons, most of them taken with 
arms in their hands, were arrested by and turned over to the 
United States military authorities that they might be dealt 
W'itli as ordered by the proclamation of the President of the 
United States of September 25th, ordering that all persons re-^ 
sisting militia drafts should be tried by courts martial or mili-^ 
tary commission; and I urged immediately and repeatedly 
upon the President the necessity of giving them a speedy trial,, 
as provided by his proclamation.^ I have entertained no doubt 



7 A complete system of draft regulations was provided for by Wis.. 
Gen. Laws, 1863, chap. 242; cf. also Act of Congress, March 3, 1863,. 
sec. 3.— Ei>. 

8 See ante. p. 148, note 92. — Ed. 

» About 130 of the rioters were tried and convicted by the provost 
cotirt. They were placed under guard at Camp Randall, but after an 
imprisonment of a few months, were informally released by the 
Federal government. 

Two interesting legal cases grew out of the Ozaukee arrests. The 
first, which was destined to attract national attention, was In re 



165] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON i^^^3- 

'of the power of the President to subject to trial by courts 
martial men who, as in this case, are charged with openly re- 
sisting the proceedings of the draft. They were actually in 
rebellion against the government of the United States; they 
were forcibly resisting regulations lawfully and constitution- 
ally made by the President as commander-in-chief of the army, 
and of the militia of the United States, called into active serv- 
ice to suppress insurrection, and their proceedings were insur- 
rectionary in their character. Should I have erred in this, it 
has been in common with many wiser and true men, and under 
circumstances of necessity demanding prompt and immediate 
action on my part, to restore quiet, and save greater calamities 



Kemp, 16 Wis., p. 628. Kemp, one of the alleged rioters, while im- 
prisoned at Camp Randall, sued out (Dec. 4, 1862) a writ of habeas 
corpus in the Wisconsin Supreme Court. It was disregarded by Gen. 
"W. L. Elliot, the commanding officer, on the ground that President 
Liincoln had authorized the suspension of the writ in cases of public 
necessity. The matter came up for decision in the Wisconsin Supreme 
Court on Jan. 13, 1863, where it was held that only Congress had the 
power to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in places where war did 
not exist. Such a decision called for immediate attention, coming 
as it did from a court avowedly friendly to the administration and 
at a time when Northern Democrats were making political capital 
out of the habeas corpus controversy in preparation for the coming 
presidential election. Congress, therefore, two months later, passed 
a law authorizing the President to suspend the writ of habeas corpus 
at any time during the war when he should consider such a measure 
necessary. See J. B. Winslow, Story of a Great Court (Chicago, 1912), 
p. 184 ff. 

The second case (Druecker vs. Salomon, 21 Wis., p. 382) arose in 
1867, after the war. Druecker, who had been held at Camp Randall 
for about three months, brought suit against Governor Salomon for 
false imprisonment. It was an appeal from one of the lower State 
•courts, in which the decision had gone against Druecker. The Su- 
,preme Court sustained the decision of the lower court. — Ed. 

[i66] 



i^i] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

and disturbances. By bad and designing men the enforcement 
of the draft in that county had been made so odious, the spirit 
of resistance had been raised to such an alarming extent, that 
the civil authorities had not and could not have the slightest 
control over the armed mob. Of the power of the civil law, 
there was no fear in the minds of these men; no indictment by 
a grand j^ry could, under the terror in which they would hold 
public opinion, probably be found against them for the riot, 
destruction of property and injury to persons; much less that 
a petit jury could be found to convict any of them. This also 
shows the necessity of State laws upon the subject of drafting, 
so that the authority of the Executive in enforcing conscription 
may not be questioned, and that those who should attempt re- 
sistance may be punished under the laws of the State. 

The execution of the draft was no enviable duty, but it was 
one from which I could not shrink without violating my duty 
to the State, the Government and the Constitution and laws of 
the United States. The Constitution of the United States 
gives Congress the power to provide for calling forth the militia 
to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrection and repel 
invasion. Congress accordingly authorized the President to call 
forth the militia, or a part of it, for nine m'onths, and to make 
all "necessarj^ rules and regulations" "for enrolling the 
militia," and "otherwise putting the act into execution."^" And 
the President did call it out, made the necessary rules, and re- 
quired Wisconsin to furnish its number. Laws are made to be 
executed, not to be avoided and disregarded. I have simply 
done my duty to the best of my ability, leaving it to the candid 
judgment of the people to uphold me in its execution against 
the aspersions of those who, having first discouraged voluntary 
enlistments, claim that I am responsible for the hardships aris- 
ing, in many instances, from this conscription. 



10 See Act of Congress, July 17, 1862. — Ed. 



[167] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

Including the regiments yet in the State, Wisconsin has fur- 
nished to the U. S. Government, during the present v;ar, 
one regiment of infantry for three months, (810 men), 
thirty-three regiments of infantry, three regiments of cav- 
alry, thirteen batteries of artillery, one company of cavalry, 
and one company of sharpshooters, enlisted for three years 

or during the war. Total 38 , 511 

Recruits for old regiments 2 , 155 

Drafted militia in camps 795 

Militia not yet reported, including those considered as desert- 
ers, and those to be drafted in Manitowoc county 2,279 

Aggregate 43 , 740 

Our quota under all the calls, giving us credit for the excess 
furnished before the call of July 2d, is 44,661, showing that, 
in order to fill our quota, the State will have to furnish yet 921 
men, which should be by enlistments for old regiments, which 
it is hoped will be furnished in that way. It is, however, proper 
to mention that the enrollment made by the sheriffs shows that 
we have furnished 41,529 men, which, in addition to the results 
of the draft, would be 433 more than our quota. This discrep- 
ancy arises to some extent, undoubtedly, from repetitions of 
names on the sheriffs' enrollments; but it is also not unlikely 
that our regiments in the field have failed to make complete re- 
turns to the Adjutant General's office of the number of new 
recruits they have received, and that the deficiency is actually 
much less than above stated. Considering the large number of 
foreigners in our State not liable to military duty, "Wisconsin 
has certainly done its full share of furnishing troops in this 
war, although it may yet be short a few hundred men. 

As appears from reports made to the Adjutant General's 
office, the total loss of our troops in the field by deaths, dis- 
charges and desertions, was on the first of December, 7,875 ; the 
largest part of this loss arises, undoubtedly, from discharges 
and desertions. The report of the Adjutant General will fur- 

[ 168 ] 



1863] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

nisli you particular information on these and other points in 
connection with our military affairs. 

In the organization of new regiments I adopted the plan of 
promoting meritorious and experienced officers of older regi- 
ments, thus rewarding merit and giving the new regiments ex- 
perienced field officers. I regret that by a peremptory order of 
the War Department, which I Avith many other Governors in 
vain remonstrated against, refusing to discharge officers in the 
field for the purpose of accepting promotion in new regiments, 
has prevented me from continuing this practice with the later 
regiments, thus making it necessary to place inexperienced men 
in command of the new troops. I also adopted the plan of pro- 
moting meritorious non-commissioned officers and privates of 
old Regiments, by giving them positions as commissioned offi- 
cers in companies of new regiments. Much to my regret an 
order from the War Department prevented the carrying of this 
practice into the drafted militia, on the ground that the time of 
service being different, men from the volunteer regiments could 
not be discharged to accept commissions in a 9 months' regi- 
ment. Being well convinced that the promotions in both cases 
would not seriously interfere with the organization of the old 
regiments from which these meritorious men are to be taken, I 
respectfully recommend that you memorialize the President of 
the United States, requesting him to change those orders, I 
having failed to convince the government of the propriety of 
such change.^^ 

I would also recommend that you lay the claims of promotion 
of our brave and gallant commanders of regiments before the 
President. I have repeatedly addressed him upon the subject, 
urging the promotion of some of our meritorious Colonels. 
Wliile it is true that promotion in the field should be made for 
merit and capacity, it is also true that the bravery of Wisconsin 
troops is well and universally known and acknowledged, and 



11 This recommendation was not followed. — Ed. 

[169] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [i^3- 

that she lias sent as able colonels and officers to the field as have 
gone from other states, and their claims to promotion should 
therefore be recognized. 

Wisconsin has reason to be proud of her noble sons. She has 
stood firmly and unwaveringly by the flag of the Union. The 
bravery of her troops is not excelled by any other State. The 
"Iron Brigade" has secured a distinguished place in the history 
of this war. East, West and South, upon many of the bloody 
fields of battle, have Wisconsin's brave sons won for themselves 
the name of heroes. True and unflinchingly have they fought 
for the Union and looked death in the face in a thousand dif- 
ferent forms; without a murmur have they fallen shattered and 
mangled upon the cold and gory field; without a murmur have 
they borne the privations incident to a soldier's life; many, 
alas! have lingered and died in hospital, vainly longing to 
breathe their last breath in the air of their adopted State. 
]\Iany a fireside has been made desolate; the orphan children, 
the widowed mothers, the mourning fathers, mothers, brothers 
and sisters — who can count them ? Let us not forget those who 
have died for our country 's, for our sake ; let us remember those 
w^ho bra\'Biy uphold the honor and reputation of our State, 
ready to die if need be. Let us give them the tribfute which ia 
due them from a grateful State! I recommend that a resolu- 
tion be adopted by you embodying your sentiments on this sub- 
ject, and that provision be made to retain in the archives of 
the State a true record of the part Wisconsin's loyal sons have 
taken in the suppression of this great and abhorred rebellion, 

ORGANIZATION OF MILITIA 

At the special session last year I also called the attention of 
the Legislature to the necessity of amending our militia law so 
as to give the State an effective militia system. The reasons which 
I then urged still continue to exist. With war surrounding us, 
we should be prepared for future emergencies. The fears which 
were then entertained of Indian difficulties on our frontier have 

[170] 



^^3] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

aiot entirely subsided.^- Without an organization of the militia, 
without the necessary arms and ammmiition, we are really de- 
fenceless. Perhaps arms and ammunition could be obtained in 
sufficient quantities from the General Grovernment; but the or- 
.ganization of the militia seems to me to be absolutely demanded 
■by the condition of our country. This organization should be 
as simple as psssible in order to be effective. I respectfully 
refer you to some observations on this subject in the report of 
the Adjutant General, which m"eet with my approval. ^^ 

By a personal application to the Secretary of War, and an 
explanation of the condition of our frontier settlements, I was 
•enabled in the fall to obtain 2,000 stand of arms for the State 
from the United States in order to arm our militia, and also 
•some ammunition. Under existing laws these arms could prop- 
•erly only be distributed where uniformed companies had been 
formed in the State. Wherever applications were made to me 
for arms, I advised the applicants to form such companies un- 
^er the Statute, and so far as possible the requisitions of these 
■companies have been complied with. But in the more thinly 
populated parts of the State, where the necessity for arms is 
most pressing, the formation of uniformed companies is hardly 
practicable. 

RELIEF FUND, HOSPITALS, &C. 

At the adjourned session in June last the Legislature made 
-an appropriation of $20,000 for the purpose of defraying ex- 
penses theretofore and since incurred in the cure of sick and 
wounded soldiers.^* 



12 The Sioux uprising in Minnesota, in 1862, threw the settlers on the 
"^lorthern and northwestern frontier of Wisconsin into a panic of fear, 
■which aid not subside for several years. See R. G, Thwaites, Wisconsin 
(Boston, 1908), p. 354; W. W. Folwell, Minnesota (Boston, 190S), 

•chaps. 11, 12. — Ed. 

13 See Wis. Mess, and Docs.. 1863, pp. 879-884.— Ed. 

14 See Wis. Gen. Laivs. 1862, chap. 370.— Ed. » 

[171] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

Of this fund there has been expended up to the present time 
the sum of $10,828.94, leaving $9,171.06 yet undrawn. A de- 
tailed report of these expenditures and of their nature, and 
the purposes for which the money was used, and the general re- 
sults obtained, will soon be laid before you. During the sickly 
season of last summer several expeditions, consisting of phy- 
sicians and nurses, were sent south to bring sick and wounded 
soldiers from our State to their homes or to northern hospitals; 
and such expeditions were subsequently on several occasions 
dispatched to battle fields after severe battles in which troops 
from our State had taken part. These expeditions have all 
been under the charge of the Surgeon General, and have been 
of the greatest usefulness to the brave wounded soldiers, add- 
ing much to their comfort and immediate help ; and great credit 
is due to the Surgeon General and the philanthropic gentlemen 
who, always witliout compensation, accompanied him, for the 
manner in which they always discharged their missions. Often 
have I heard of the touching scenes that took place on the ar- 
rival of these parties, when the gallant unfortunate men could 
not repress their tears on seeing that the State followed them 
upon the battle field, tendering them the aid and comfort which 
they so "well deserved and were in need of. 

At the beginning of the war and up to last summer, sick and 
wounded men were generally permitted to go home to recruit 
their health, and were granted limited furloughs for that pur- 
pose. This system led to much abuse, and to the diminution of 
the army to such an extent, that the Government adopted the 
rule, to which it has since rigidlj^ adhered, of refusing all fur- 
loughs, keeping the sick and wounded soldiers in Government 
hospitals, and authorizing their discharge if unfit for further 
service. Last fall, wath Governors of many other States, I 
presented a request to the President to change this system to 
some extent, by establishing hospitals in the several States and 
removing as much as possible the sick to the respective hos- 
pitals in their own States, where they would be nearer their 

[172] 



1863] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

friends, and where, to a limited extent at least, the system of 
furloiighing such as could go to comfortable homes could safely 
be carried out. Prior to this I had repeatedly and urgently 
applied for the establishment of a hospital at some proper place 
in our State, with a viev/ of having our sick and wounded re- 
moved thereto. The reason why these requests have not been 
granted is the one, I presume, which induced the Government 
originally to cease the system of furloughing. I am not pre- 
pared to deny that the present system is on the whole the best, 
and one dictated by necessity ; and I will here take occasion, 
from my own observation and from all the reports I have re- 
ceived from reliable sources, to bear witness to the really ex- 
cellent manner in which the government hospitals are generally 
kept. It is true complaints have often been made, and in many 
instances undoubtedly justly m.ade, of improper treatment of 
men in hospitals, but in many eases where such complaints 
reached me, and where I always caused investigation to be 
made, T have been subsequently convinced that the complaints 
were without foundation, and emanated from some worthless 
source. 

Immediately after the appropriation, I sent several compe- 
tent gentlem.en to the principal hospitals to act as agents on 
the part of the State in looking after and aiding our sick and 
wounded soldiers. But few such agents, not exceeding four at any 
one time, have ever been sent, and their labor has in all instances 
heen most usefully bestowed. In the cities of New York and 
Philadelphia I have made use of agencies already established 
"by other States, and in the city of "Washington the "Wisconsin 
Aid Society has rendered most valuable and gratuitous services. 
A soldier lying in a hospital sick and wounded has many wants 
"that the regular hospital attendants cannot well supply. The 
figents can see to these wants, procure descriptive lists, place sick 
men in communication with their relatives, see that those who are 
entitled to discharges obtain such, and see that abuses in hos- 
pitals are promptly brought to the attention of superior offi- 

[173] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

eers and remedied. Much complaint, and, I regret to say, just- 
complaint, has been made upon the matter of discharges. Meit. 
wholly unfit for service have often been obliged to remain in 
hospitals for want of their discharges, an unreasonable length 
of time; many have died who, but for the negligence of some 
officer in not promptly forwarding the papers, might have re- 
covered if permitted to go home, or at least might have expired 
in the arms of their friends. In this matter the State agents 
have worked incessantly, and have often made complaint to the 
proper authorities, not always, however, with success. Some- 
delay is unavoidable, but a large part of it unreasonable, and 
some change to the better in the present system of discharges- 
seems absolutely demanded. I recommend that you memorialize 
the President upon this subject, as also upon the subject of 
establishing a hospital in this State, to which a large portion 
of our sick and wounded might be brought.^^ I also respect- 
fully recommend that before you adjourn the necessary ap- 
propriation be made to enable me to continue to give aid tO' 
our sick and wounded soldiers.^® 

I cannot close this subject without paying a proper tribute 
to the many noble aid societies, consisting mostlj'' of women, in- 
cur State, who have incessantly labored to supply the wants 
of the sick and wounded soldiers, or without mentioning the 
many obligations under which the State is to the Chicago and 
St. Louis Sanitary Commissions, they having always supplied 
our wants, and often, without being asked, tendered their as- 
sistance. 

MILITARY CONTINGENT FUND 

Although the expenses of organizing and equipping new regi- 
ments have during the past year been borne directly by the- 



IB The Legislature responded to this recommendation with Id, 1863^ 
Mem. no. 5. — Ed. 

le/ftrd, chap. 196, appropriated $15,000 for the care of the sick and 
•wounded soldiers of Wisconsin. — Ed. 

[174] 



i863] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

United States, it yet often happens that the Executive is called 
upon and expected to make some disbursements in connection 
with the organization of the troops, which would constitute a 
proper claim against the General Government, but for which 
no provision has been made. I have often been embarrassed in 
matters of this kind, not considering the civil contingent fund 
as the proper source from which to draw for this purpose. A 
reasonable sum should be placed at the disposal of the Execu- 
tive for this purpose, to be accounted for in the proper manner ; 
the expenditure of this money to be brought in account against 
the General Government as a legitimate claim for raising troops 
for its defense.^'^ 

ALLOTMENT SYSTEM 

The Allotment Commissioners, appointed by the President of 
the United States under an act of Congress, but whose expenses 
are borne by the State under a law of the last Legislature,^* 
entered upon their duties early last spring in taking the al- 
lotment of our soldiers in the field, to enable them safely and 
regularly to transmit so much of their pay to their families and 
friends at home as they might set apart for that purpose. Thii 
allotment system, excellent and beneficial as it would undoubt- 
edly be and as it was designed to be, has met with many obstacles 
on the part of pay officers, whose labors were thereby some- 
what increased, so as to interfere very materially with the 
progress of the work on the part of the Commissioners, and 
with a proper execution of it. The efforts of the Commissioners, 
aided materially by the voluntary assistance of the State Treas- 
urer, have been incessant to insure the proper working of the 
system, and under recent stringent orders from the United 
States military departments, it is believed that the difficulties 



17 iMd, chap. 14, lappropriated $3,000 to the Governor to he used as 
a military contingent fund. — Ed. 

18 See ante, p. 99, note 67. — Ed. 

[175] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

have been removed and that henceforth our soldiers and their 
families will have the uninterrupted benefit of it. 

The report of the Allotment Commissioners, which will be 
laid before you, will show you the result of their labors and the 
difficulties they had to meet and overcome. Up to the 15th day 
of December last, 12,637 men had allotted to their families the 
sum of $1,783,705.92 per annum. The regiments from our 
State being very much scattered in the service, the allotment 
of quite a number of them has not yet been made, while from 
the Twentieth upward it was secured for all regiments before 
they left the State. 

STATE MILITARY DEPARTMENTS 

Under a law of last year the Commissary Gen. has been 
early relieved from actual duty, his duties being devolved by me 
upon the Quarter Master General.^'* This officer has almost 
entirely wound up the matters connected with his department, 
there only remaining a few months labor to place the accounts 
and books of that officer in proper condition. 

The office of Surgeon General has been continued, and the 
services of that officer have been most important and will con- 
tinue so to be as long as our army remains in the field. 

The labor and work in the Adjutant General's office have 
been much increased during the past year. 

The expenses of all these offices constitute a proper claim 
against the General Government, and will undoubtedly be al- 
lowed, since they have certainly been kept within very low and 
reasonable bounds. 

The reports of the Adjutant General and Quartermaster 
General will be submitted to you as soon as printed. That of 
the Surgeon General has not yet been received, that officer be- 
ing absent on an expedition to the battle field at Murfreesboro. 
As socn as received, it will be laid before you. 



19 Consult Wis. Gen. Laws, 1863, chap. 364,— Ed. 

[176] 



1863] ANNUAL MESSAGE 



THE CONDITION OF OUR COUNTRY 

It is now almost two years since the rebellion of the Southern 
States, instigated by the ambition of bad and unscrupulous 
men, broke out in open war against the Government of the United 
States. This war has assumed gigantic proportions and has cost 
vast sacrifices of blood, life and treasure. But, for the loyal 
people of the North and the General Government there were but 
two ways open, either cowardly to yield to the outrage committed 
upon the nation by the traitors in arms, and dishonorably to sub- 
mit to a dismemberment of the Union and a destruction of the 
Government and Constitution, or to bring out the military 
power of the loyal States to suppress the rebellion and enforce 
the law. The Government and the people with one accord 
chose the latter alternative, the only one that could be honor- 
ably chosen. The contest is still raging; a new and large army 
has been sent to the field, and although the nation has been 
disappointed in the success thus far made, we must not forget 
that we were over sanguine, nor must we forget what has ac- 
tually been accomplished. The fortunes of war are not always 
on the same side, but if, with our resources and confidence in 
the righteousness of our cause, we remain united in the support 
of the Government in the struggle for its existence, I trust 
that all the sacrifices in blood and treasure will not have been 
vainly made, and that we shall yet see the Union and the au- 
thority of the Government of the United States re-established. 

Divide et impera, is an old adage that the enemies of the 
country, and the sympathizers with rebellion in the North, have 
well learned. If all true, loyal men of the North will stand 
united and will not allow party strife and prejudices to darken 
their better judgment, the few traitorous men that may be 
among us will be powerless. The South builds its last hope 
upon a divided North. 

In judging the acts of the Administration in the conduct of 
this war, we should be forebearing. On no man was ever, on 
12 [177] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863^ 

this continent, so fearful a responsibility thrown as rests on 
the President of the United States. No candid man doubts his 
earnest desire to save the Government, the Union, and the Con- 
stitution, but he is human, and may err, as we are all liable to= 
err. Much fault is found in certain quarters with his recent 
proclamation of emancipation,-" and much is said of conciliatory 
measures. Either the prosecution of this war and the sup- 
pression of the rebellion is just and right, or it is unjust and 
wrong. If just, all means allowed by the usages of war of the 
civilized world should be resorted to for its successful termina- 
tion; humanity even and justice to our brave army demand 
this, they demand that there should be a vigorous prosecution of 
the war. The emancipation proclamation is strictly a war- 
measure, designed to lead to a speedy and successful termina- 
tion of the war by depriving the enemy of one of its chief 
means of support. In times of peace the President would under 
the Constitution clearly not have had the power to interfere with 
slavery in any of the States, but when the South made open 
war upon the Government and Constitution, they renounced all 
right to claim their protection. If it is lav/ful for the Presi- 
dent to order thousands of traitors in arms to be killed by the 
enginery of %var, to besiege and destroy their property, shall it 
not be lawful for him to decli. : those free who are held in 
bondage by them and who are employed by their masters in 
sustaining the rebellion? But the plea is that this policy will 
exasperate the rebels and destroy the hope of their peaceful 
return to the Union and submission to its laws. Have they 
ever shown the slightest disposition to such return? Have they 
not wantonly waged this war because they despised the Con- 
stitution and the Union? Have they not always had the op- 



20 The Emancipation Proclamation was issued Sept. 22, 1862, to go 
into effect Jan. 1, 1863, unless the seceded states yielded before that 
time. On the latter date a proclamation was issued, declaring it to 
be now in operation, and designating the states or parts of states 
to which it should apply. See post, p. 240, note 64. — Ed. 

[178] 



1863] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

portunity to lay dovvTi their traitorous arms, submit to the 
laws and save all their rights under the Constitution? The 
people of the loyal States in great overwhelming majority 
would gladly welcome them back binder the Constitution as it isy 
if they would submit to its authority. Is it not preposterous to 
speak of conciliatory measures against traitors who with mur- 
derous hands are assailing the nation's life and against whom 
we have sent in the field a million' of armed men ? This procla- 
mation of emancipation I cannot regard otherwise than as a 
just and wise measure. Men may justly differ in their judg- 
ment about it, but if there should be those who, on account of 
this policy, desire to embarrass the Administration in the fur- 
ther prosecution of the war, they cannot be true friends to 
the Union and Constitution, for they are more anxious for a 
traitor's right to hold his fellow man in bondage than that the 
Union be saved. May the Supreme Ruler of the Universe so 
guide the actions of the people of this once happy and now so 
distracted country that the republic be saved and not shattered 
upon the rocks of disunion and dissension. 

Edward Salomon. 
Maoison, January 14, 1863. 



INFORMATION REFUSED 

ExECUTi\'E Department, 
Madison, January 21st, 186S. 
To tlie Honcrahle the As.?ei:iilJy: 

In answer to your resolution No. 13, of January 20th, 1863," 
I have the honor respectfully to' submit that, so far as I am 
aware, no arrest has been made in this State of any person 
charged with disloyalty to the Government of the United States 
(excepting the arrest of persons charged with openly resist- 



21 The resolution called upon the Governor for information in regard 
to charges against citizens of the State, for disloyalty. — Ed, 

[179] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

ing the draft)." It would in my judgment be injurious and 
detrimental to public interests to furnish the information sought 
by that resolution. Edward Salomon. 



CONDITION OF CAMP KANDALL 

Executive Office, 

Madison, Jan. 27, 1863. 

To the Honorable the Senate and Assembly: 

Learning by your proceedings that the condition of Camp 
Randall has been and is the subject of investigation, I beg 
leave to submit to you the following statement:-^ 

Camp Randall is occupied at present by the 25th and 30th 
Regiments of Wisconsin Volunteers, both long since completed 
and mustered into the United States service, the camp being in 
command of Col. Dill of the 30th Regiment. Although the 
State authorities have no direct control over these regiments, 
yet upon being apprized of the existence of any abuses and 
deficiencies, I have always deemed it my duty to call the at- 
tention of the proper United States authorities to them, that 
they might be remedied, expecting that, if there is any just 
cause of complaint not remedied on application to the proper 
United States authorities, I would be informed by the officers. 

Until the 15th inst., no complaint of any kind had reached 
me concerning the quarters, subsistence or hospital accommoda- 
tions at Camp Randall. On that day a gentleman who had 
visited the camp informed me that he found the bread, coffee 
and meat furnished to the soldiers bad, whereupon I immedi- 
ately addressed Col. Dill, requesting him to investigate the 
matter and report to me. Col. Dill reported to me the next 
day orally stating that it was true the bread was sour, and 



22 See ante, p. 148, note 92. — Ed. 

23 The joint committee of the Legislature, which was appointed to 
investigate the condition of soldiers at Camp Randall, made a very 
unfavorable report. See Wis. Sen. Jour., 1863, p. 69 ff. — Er». 

[ 180 ] 



i863] CAMP RANDALL 

that he had called upon the contractor repeatedly to furnish 
better. bread; that the latter had changed bakeries very often, 
without, however, effecting a material change in the quality of 
bread ; that he had finally called upon the medical director of the 
department for inspection of the bread, and that that gentleman 
had pronounced the bread good, and that he then thought of 
taking the flour instead of bread. The other rations he stated 
were good. 

Believing from the remarks reported to have been made in 
the Legislature, that I might not have been fully informed by 
Col. Dill of the condition of the camp, I again addressed him 
on the 1st inst., requesting him to report to me as to sub- 
sistence, accommodation, hospital treatment and quarters of the 
men in camp, and received from him in reply, a letter, of 
which I enclose a copy marked "A". 

I also addressed Brig. Gen. Elliott upon the subject, and 
received from him a communication, of which I enclose a copy 
marked "B". 

The Board of Officers referred to in his letter, have finished 
their examination and made a report, with a copy of which 
marked "C", I have been furnished by Gen. Elliott, and which 
I also enclose. 

In justice to the officers at Camp Randall, I have deemed it 
my duty to lay this matter before you for your consideration, 

Edward Salomon. 



SANITARY RELIEF 

Executive Office, 

February 4th, 1863. 
To ilie Honorable the Senate and Assemhly: 

I hereby submit to you my report of the amounts expended 
to February 1st, 1863, of the Relief Fund created by chapter 
371, of the General Laws of 1862.2* 

24 Printed in Itid, p. 205. — Ed. 

[i8i] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [^^^3- 

In my message of January 14th, I have given a general out- 
line of the manner in which this money has been expended. For 
a more particular account of the items of expenditure by the 
sanitary agents appointed by me, I beg leave to refer you to 
their reports and accounts on file in this office. 

The results obtained by these agencies have been very bene- 
ficial and satisfactory. Regular and accurate information has 
constantly been furnished by them to the people of the State of 
the sick and wounded soldiers in the several hospitals; the 
agents have attended to the wants of the sick, that could not 
otherwise be supplied ; they have seen that abuses in hospitals 
were brought to the attention of the proper authorities and 
remedied; they have endeavored to obtain and accelerate the 
discharges of such as were unfit for service; besides their offi- 
cial reports of which I caused the substance to be published, 
making, as I am informed, not less than sixty columns in the 
""Daily Journal" of this city, they have furnished constant in- 
formation to the press and to private persons.^^ Applications 
have been and are almost daily made to me by the relatives of 
sick soldiers concerning their condition, and soliciting inter- 
ference on their behalf, which, wdthout these agents, I should 
not be able to answer or properly attend to. 

Hereto annexed you will find a brief statement of the names 
of the agents appointed by me, the time during and the manner 
in M^hich they have been employed. 

The results accomplished by the several sanitary expeditions 
sent to fields of battle under charge of the Surgeon General 
will undoubtedly be contained in the report of that officer, 
which has not yet been received, but which will soon be laid 
before you, and I therefore refrain from making any further 
observations on that subject. 

Edward Salomon. 



25 See files of the Madison State Journal, 1863. — Ed. 

[182] 



i863] NINE months' VOLUNTEERS 



THE DRAFT 

Executive Office, 
Madison, February 5, 1863. 

To the Honorable the Ass&nibly: 

In compliance with your resolution, No. 39, of January 31, 
I herewith lay before you all correspondence, by telegraph and 
otherwise, between the War Department and myself upon the 
subject embraced in that resolution.-^ This correspondence 
will inform you what efforts have been made by me to prevent 
the necessity of a draft in this State, and to induce the War 
Department to accept from this State nine months' volunteers. 

It is proper for me to state in this connection, upon the au- 
thority of a dispatch received from the War Department re- 
cently in answer to a direct question upon that subject, that 
the General Government has never authorized the raising of 
nine months' volunteers in any State. Upon the authority of 
newspapers it seems that in some of the larger cities (Phila- 
delphia, New York and Boston) nine months' volunteers were 
organized to avoid the draft. How this was accomplished, I 
am not informed; but there must have been some State laws 
there to authorize such organizations, and State means or other 
funds to defray the expenses thereof. Two things are always 
necessary to enable me to raise troops of any kind. 1st, an au- 
thority from the General Government or a State law; and 2d, 
the necessary means to defray the expenses of the organization. 
I had no authority from the General Government to organize 
nine months' volunteers (nor any kind of volunteers after 
August 22d, except for old regim'ents and to fill the 31st and 
27th regiments). There is no State law authorizing such or- 
ganization, and there were no means at my disposal to defray 
the expenses of raising such troops. Where nine months' vol- 



28 The resolution called upon the Governor for Information relating 
to the draft. — Eo. 

[183] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

unteers have been raised in other States under laws and facil- 
ities not existing here, I presume the General Government has, 
after they were organized and tendered, accepted them as, or 
in place of, drafted militia. Beyond the fact, however, that 
the Government refused to give me authority to raise nine 
months' volunteers, and that it has not given such authority 
to any other State, I have no definite or reliable information 
as to what may have been done by other States. Having failed 
to obtain authority to continue recruiting, except for old regi- 
ments, after the 22d of August, I deemed it my duty to carry 
out the draft, as it has been carried out in most, if not all 
of the other States that failed to furnish their quota up to Aug- 
ust 22d, and as I was bound to do under the Constitution of 
the United States, the enactments of Congress, and the orders 
and regulations of the President, made in pursuance thereof. 

Edward Salomon. 



Executive Office, 

Madibon, Feb. 6, 1863. 

To the Honorable the Senate and Assembly: 

The accompanying memorial of Wm. A. Pors, Esq., late 
Draft Commissioner of Ozaukee county, has been transmitted 
to me by that gentleman, with a request to lay the same before 
you. He asks that he be indemnified for the loss sustained by 
him \)y the forcible resistance to the draft in that county. My 
opinion is that the United States should indemnify Mr. Pors^ •"» 
well as the others who suffered with him in loss of property 
by that resistance and wanton outrage; but on laying the mat- 
ter liefore the Representatives in Congress from this State, Mr. 
Pors has been advised that a special bill to indemnify him 
and his co-sufferers could not be passed at present, and that a 
general bill of indemnification would probably not be passed 
for several years. Under the circumstances, I deem it proper 
that the State should indemnify Mr. Pors, looking to the United 

[184] 



1863] CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 

States for re-embiirseraent hereafter. Mr. Pors has acted the 
part of a courageous, faithful public officer, and in the attempt 
to do his duty he has lost almost all that he possessed." 

As a safeguard against future occurrences of this kind, and 
in order to give a remedy to persons who may innocently suffer 
at the hands of a mob, I would also recommend that a law he 
passed making towns, cities or counties responsible for dam- 
ages caused by a mob.-^ Such a law, I learn, is in existence in 
several other States, and has probably a healthy and restrain- 
ing influence, making it the direct pecuniary interest of every 
tax payer to discourage and resist such outrages in his com- 
munity, while it gives the innocent sufferer a remedy for his 

losses. 

Edward Salomon. 



Proclamation to the People of the State of Wisconsin: 

Whereas, In addition to the draft of twenty per cent of the 
first class of the enrolled national forces heretofore called for, 
the President of the United States, by his proclamation of the 
17th instant, has made a call for 300,000 volunteers. 

And, whereas, Duty and patriotism demand that the draft 
should be cheerfully submitted to and the new call promptly 
answered hy the people of "Wisconsin as they have always been 
ready to comply, and have more than complied with all previ- 
ous calls heretofore made upon them in support of our national 
integrity and for the maintenance and vindication of the Union, 
the Constitution and the Laws: 

Now Therefore, and in order that the people of Wisconsin 



27 The home of Draft Commissioner Pors, In Port Washington, was 
badly damaged by the mob in the Ozaukee draft riot. The Legislature 
appropriated $3,000 to indemnify him, and provided for securing reim- 
bursement from the Federal Government. — Ed. 

28 Such a law was enacted in Wis. Oen. Laws, 1863, chap 211. — Ed. 

[185] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

may be more fully and definitely advised concerning the pro- 
portion of men required from this State under those two calls, 
the mode of distributing the same, and other points connected 
therewith, I, Edward Salomon, Governor of the State of Wis- 
consin, do hereby give the follovring information of regula- 
tions adopted by the Government of the United States, and of 
other matters connected with said two calls, so far as I am 
advised of the same : 

1st Concerning the draft now pending; the execution of 
which will commence on the 9th day of November next ; 

The number of men of the first class enrolled in the six Con- 
gressional Districts, including twenty towns or sub-districts 
not yet reported, but estimated at 1,000 will be 68,845 (which 
will vary but very little from the exact number when fully 
ascertained) ; 20 per cent of whi^h would make the quota of 
Wisconsin 13,769. Our Stat^g has ^arnished an excess of troops 
over all previous calls, reducing it all to the standard of three 
years' men, of between four and five thousand, all of which 
will be credited to the State, each Congressional District re- 
ceiving credit for the excess furnished by it; so that the num- 
ber to be furnished under this draft by the State will be re- 
duced to 8,000 or 9,000. It is not deemed practicable by the 
Officers of the General Government to bring the system of giv- . 
ing credit to troops heretofore furnished down to towns or 
wards, but the number of men required from a Congressional 
District will be distributed among its towns and wards in pro- 
portion to the number of men of the first class enrolled in each 
town or ward. 

All men enlisting before the draft in the 35th Regiment Wis. 
Vols., or in any of the companies of artillery now in process of 
organization, as well as all those who have heretofore enlisted 
in any old regiment or company in the field, vnll be properly 
credited on this draft. 

2d Concerning the new call of 300,000 Volunteers. Upon 
the estimated enrollment of 68,845 men of the first class, the 

[186] 



^^^3] CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 

quota for Wisconsin under this call would be 9,724, which will 
vary but slightly from the exact number when definitely ascer- 
tained. This number will be assigned to districts according to 
the number of men enrolled therein of the first class; and upon 
the same principle it can be ascertained by the people of any 
town or ward what their respective quotas will be ; for the 
number of men required from any particular town or ward in 
the same proportion to the number of men enrolled of the first 
<;lass in such town or ward that 9,724 bears to 68,845, 

This call is intended particularly to fill old regiments in the 
field, and the Government will therefore pay to any new re- 
<?ruit for any regiment in the field one month's pay in advance, 
and a bounty and premium of $302, as follows: 

1st At the general rendezvous, and before leaving the same to 
join his regiment or company, the recruit accepted under this 

authority, will be paid one month's pay in advance $13 00 

First instalment of bounty $60 00 

Premium 2 00 

Total pay before leaving rendezvous $75 00 

To be paid in cash, or checks for transmittal, in whole or in 

part, as the recruit may desire. 
2d At the first regular pay day, or two months after muster in, 

an additional instalment of bounty will be paid $40 00 

Making pay and bounty then received 66 00 

3d At the first regular pay day after six months' service, in ad- 
dition to his pay, he shall be paid an additional instalment of 

bounty <0 00 

4th At the first regular pay day after the end of the first year's 
service, in addition to his pay, an additional instalment of 

bounty will be paid *0 0* 

5th At the first regular pay day after eighteen months' service, 
in addition to his pay, an additional instalment of bounty will 

be paid -iO 00 

6th At the first regular pay day after two years' service, in 
addition to his pay, an additional instalment of bounty will be 
paid «0« 

[187] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

7th At the expiration of three years' service, or to any soldier 
who may be honorably discharged after two years' service, the 
remainder of the bounty will be paid 40 00" 

If the Government shall not require these troops for the 
full period of three years, and they shall be mustered honor- 
ably out of the service before the expiration of their term of 
enlistment, they shall receive, upon being mustered out, the 
whole amount of bounty remaining unpaid, the same as if the 
full term had been served. The legal heirs of recruits who die 
in service shall be entitled to receive the whole bounty re^ 
maining unpaid at the time of the soldier's death. 

Veterans receive one month's pay in advance, and a bounty 
and premium of $402, in instalments as heretofore published^ 
and may enlist in any old or new regiment. 

Persons not veterans, enlisting in any of the new organiza- 
tions in this State, to wit: the 35th Infantry, or any of the 
new artillery companies, will receive one month's pay in ad- 
vance, and the ordinary bounty of $100, as heretofore pub- 
lished. 

Besides the 35th regiment and the artillery companies now 
in process of organization, no new organizations will be formed^ 
but recruiting will be confined to old regiments. 

By furnishing the number of men required from any town 
or ward, by volunteering before the 5th day of January, such 
town or ward will be exempt from the draft mentioned in the 
proclamation of the President, and which is to be made to fill 
the deficiency then existing in the State. 

It is also probable that any deficiency arising on the present 
draft, or existing on any previous call, in any of the States, 
will be made up by the draft on the 5th of January next. 

Enlistments for old regiments may be made through the 
Assistsnt Provost Marshals, and through recruiting Officers de- 
tailed for that pui'pose from the field. The whole subject of 
the draft, recruiting and enlistments are under the control of 
the Provost Marshal General and his Assistants. 

[188] 



^863] CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS 

As the people of Wisconsin have evinced their patriotism 
heretofore upon every occasion where the nation has made a call 
for men in the present great national struggle, I trust that they 
will not fail to fill their quota of volunteers under this call, 
"by the appointed day. 

The rebellion has received many a severe blow during the 
past two years; it has been crippled sud narrowed down; all 
its hopes of aid from without have failed; the last able-bodied 
w^hite man in its power, has been driven into its ranks ; it can 
make but one last desperate effort Avith its armies now in the 
field. Under these circumstances, shall our National Govern- 
ment — shall our brave men in the field — call in vain for rein- 
forcements by volunteering ? I trust not ! "We cannot and 
must not stop half way, but must sustain our brave brothers 
in the field and struggle on until this rebellion is suppressed. 
If this new call for volunteers, intended to fill the ranks of the 
decimated old Veteran Regiments is answered promptly, it 
will give more real strength to our army than any previous 
call has ever done, because the strength and value of the new 
levy will not be crippled and wasted by inexperienced officers, 
but will be m'ade to tell its full weight and power under ex- 
perienced leaders. * 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused 
the Great Seal of the State to be affixed, this 24th day of 
October A. D. 1863. 

Edward Salomon. 



]\IILITARY CONTINGENT FUND 

Executive Office, 
Madison, February 5th, 1863. 
To the Honorahle the Senate and Assembly: 

Hereto annexed you will find an account of the expenditures 
incurred by Governor Harvey and myself, under chapters 239 
and 307, of the General Laws of 1861. The vouchers for these 

[189] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

expenditures have been filed in the office of the Secretary of 
State. This was the only fund to which recourse could he 
had to defray necessary incidental expenses connected with the 
raising of troops and their organization. Nearly every item of 
the account is a just demand against the United States, and 
will be refunded to the State ; but in as much as the final settle- 
ment with government must necessarily be delayed for a con- 
siderable time and as this fund is nearly exhausted, a moderate 
appropriation for a military contingent fund should be made^ 
in justice to the citizens of the State who are called upon to 
perform various services, for which there would otherwise be 
no present means of payment..''* 

Edward Salomon. 



CIVIL ACTIONS AGAINST SOLDIERS 

ExECUTrvE Office, 

Madison, March 2d, 1863. 
To the Honorahlc tJie Senate and Assembly: 

Among the bills recently laid before me for approval, was one 
entitled "An Act relative to the commencement and prosecu- 
tion of civil actions against persons in the military service of 
the country. "2° This is substantially a re-enactment of the 
law exempting persons in the military service from civil pro- 
cess, and providing for a stay of proceedings in actions already 
pending, limiting the time of such exemption and stay, how- 
ever, to three years, and thus avoiding the objection made to 
the former law, and for v/hich, as I understand, it was declared 
unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. In its general scope 
and purpose this law meets with my approval; but in addition 



29 See a7ite. p. 175, note 17. — Ed. 

30 This bill became Wis. Gen, Laws, 1863, chap. 32. The recommen- 
dations of the Governor for amendments do not appear to have been 
accepted. — Ed. 

[190] 



^8^3] SUITS AGAINST SOLDIERS 

to the cases excepted from the operation of the law by section 
4, I beg leave to call your attention to a class of cases which 
in my judgment should also be excepted. It often occurs that 
a mortgagor sells and conveys the mortgaged premises sub- 
ject to the mortgage which he has executed, and thus parts 
with all his interest in the property. Still in an action of fore- 
closure, he would be the principal defendant, and if in army, 
the action could not be commenced, or if commenced, would 
be stayed. It seems to me that the law should not apply to 
such a case, but that the foreclosure should be permitted to 
proceed, where the mortgagor has parted with his interest in 
the property and where the action does not seek to make him 
personally liable for the payment of the deficiency arising on 
the sale, but is confined to a foreclosure of the right of re- 
demption in the mortgaged premises. The real owner of tht 
property would in such a case be the principal party in in- 
terest adverse to the plaintiff, while he would appear simply as 
a subsequent purchaser in the suit, and if he was in the serv- 
ice it might perhaps be proper to grant a stay of proceedings 
on his account. I would respectfully suggest that, while the 
law should not be made to apply to a mortgagor who has parted 
with his interest in the property in an action which does not 
seek a personal remedy against him for the debt, it might very 
properly be left to the courts to grant a stay of proceedings 
in such eases where the real party in interest, on the part of 
the defence, the hona fide owner of the property, is in the mili- 
tary service of the country. 

As the class of cases I have mentioned is only an additional 
exception to the general principle embodied in the law, and 
which meets with my approval, I have preferred to lay the 
same before you in this manner rather than to return the law 
without my signature, and would respectfully recommend that 
by an additional act this further exception be made from the 
operation of the law. 

Edv^ard Salomon. 

[191] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 



SUFFERING FAMILIES 

Executive Office, 
Madison, March 14th, 1863. 
To the Hon. the Senate and Assembly: 

My attention has recently been called to a class of sufferers 
to whom the State should extend a helping hand. I refer to 
the widows and families of those of our brave soldiers who died 
in the service of our country, and whose families were, before 
they entered the army, dependent upon their labor for support. 
In such case, the family, after the soldier's death, receives 
neither State pay nor U. S. pay ; both cease when his life 
expires in his country's cause. It is true, they are entitled to 
pension, and in some cases now to bounty; but it takes a long 
time before they can obtain either, owing to the large number 
of applications ; and then the pension is only paid twice a year. 
In the meantime these bereaved ones musit live. I cannot 
more pointedly lay the case before you than by giving you 
the following extract from a letter addressed to me on that sub- 
ject by some of these innocent sufferers : 

"This state has made several calls for men to serve their 
country in this time of trouble, which calls have been cheerfully 
responded to by many whose families were entirely dependent 
upon their labor for support. Many of those brave men have 
died in their country's service, and their once happy homes are 
made desolate ; once plenty crowned their board, but now the 
picture is reversed. Their once happy dwelling is filled with 
want and wretchedness, woe and sorrow. For now many of us 
are left with three and four small children entirely destitute, 
without a home or anything to pay rent with, or even to pur- 
chase the most common necessaries of life. Now what shall we 
do? Shall we and our little ones star\'^e? or shall we suffer the 
humiliating position of paupers on the town, thus disgracing the 
posterity of Wisconsin's noble dead? No, never. Wliat, then? 
Shall we stoop to degradation and crime? May God forbid! 

[ 192 ] 



1863] soldiers' families 

Yet one of these evils must surely come upon us, unless we find 
some relief. As the last resort, we appeal to you. We have 
been promised bcth bounty and pension, but can get neither. 
Again we are told by those in whom we place confidence as 
officers of our government, that we may get it ere long, and we 
may not get it for years. Now what is to become of us? We 
cannot live on faith, hope or premises, unless we have something 
more substantial to back them. Why cannot our honorable leg- 
islature extend the volunteer aid fund to us also?" 

To relieve these suffering families of our brave unfortunate 
soldiers, until they can receive the pension from the General 
Government, I recommend that the State aid of five dollars per 
month be by laAV continued to them for six months after the 
death, in the sei'vice, of those on whose labor they were de- 
pendent for support, provided the payment of the pensions shall 
not have commenced during that time.^^ 

Edward Salomon, 



31 Ibid, chap. 264, provided for six months' continuance of extra pa7 
to the families of volunteers who had died in service; such payment 
to cease, however, when the Federal pension should begin. — Ed. 



13 [ 193 ] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1^63- 



MISCELLANEOUS MESSAGES 

Executive Office, 

Madison, Feb. 7th, 1863. 
To the Honorable the Speaker of the Assembly: 

Sir — On behalf and at the request of Lieut. Col. Charles 
"Whipple, of the 19th Reg. "Wis. Vol., I have the honor to pre- 
sent you herewith a gavel, made from the hull of the memorable 
steamer "Merrimac", sunk in Norfolk harbor. 

Lt, Col. "Whipple sent me two gavels with the request to pre- 
sent one to the President of the Senate and one to the Speaker 
of the Assembly. Very respectfully, 

Edward Salomon. 



Executive Department, 

Madison, March 6th, 1863. 
To the Honorable the Senate and Assembly: 

Enclosed I transmit to you a letter from Mr. J. V. Robbins, 
making a claim against the State for breach of a contract 
entered into with him by the Quartermaster General, in 1861. 
I referred it to the Quartermaster General for a report upon 
the facts in the case, which I also enclose. From this report it 
would seem that Mr. Robbins has a just claim ; and if, upon due 
investigation, the legislature should be of that opinion, I would 
respectfully suggest that the Quarterm'aster General be 
authorized to settle the matter with Mr. Robbins, deducting 
from his claim the amount due the State from him upon a 
matter also referred to in the accompanying papers, upon his 
delivering the necessary releases from himself and the other 
parties interested in the contract, and that the necessary ap- 
propriation be made for that purpose.^^ 

Edward Salomon. 



s2J6id, ctap. 284, maae provision for the settlement of this claim 
ae recommended. — Ed, 

[194] 



1^63] TOURNIQUETS 

Executive Department, 

Madison, March 9, 1863. 

To the Honorable the Senate and Assembly: 

My attention has been called to a newly invented instrument 
to arrest the flow of blood through the arteries of the extrem- 
ities in case of wounds received upon the battle-field or else- 
where. It is called "Lambert's Elastic Tourniquet", and is, 
according to the testimony of scientific men, well adapted to the 
saving of soldiers' lives, of whom so large a number perish on 
battle-fields from loss of blood before any aid can be rendered 
them. Many of our sister States have provided, or taken steps 
to provide their soldiers with this important "Life Preserver"; 
among them the States of New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode 
Island, New Jersey and New York, as I am credibly informed. 
I would respectfully recommend that this matter be taken into 
careful consideration by you, and that, if you find the in- 
vention sufficiently useful and beneficial, the necessary appro- 
priation be made to furnish the soldiers from this State a 
sufficient number of these Tourniquets. All the information 
which I have upon this subject, I shall be pleased to lay before 
any committee to which you may refer the matter.^^ 

Edward Salomon. 



Executive Department, 

Madison, March 12th, 1863. 

To the Honorable the Assenibhj: 

In compliance with your resolution, No. 78, A, I have the 
honor to state that TTr. R. C. Murphy, formerly Colonel of the 
8th Regt. Wisconsin Volunteers, recently sent me a duplicate of 
a letter and accompanjang documents addressed by him to the 
President of the United States, with a request to lay the same 
before the legislature, which I declined to do, not believing that 



33 The Governor was authorized to furnish tourniquets for the use 
of soldiers by IMd, chap. 1.54. — Ed. 

[195] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

the legislature of this state is the proper tribunal to try his 
guilt or innoceuce. At your request I now enclose to you his 
communication to me, accompanied by the duplicate of his letter 
and accompanying documents addressed to the President, and 
also a copy of my answer to him. This comprises all communi- 
cations in this office touching the conduct of any Wisconsin 
regimental officer or officers at the sun-ender of Holly Springs, 
Miss., except the order of the War Department of January 10th, 
1863, dismissing Col. Murphy from the service of the U. S., a 
copy of which is contained in his communication to the Presi- 
dent. No copy of any order made by Gen. Grant touching the 
surrender of Holly Springs is in my possession.^* 

Edward Salomon. 



Executive Depaetment, 

Madiso>^, March 17th, 1863. 
To the Honorable ihe Assembly: 

In answer to your resolution No. 79, A,^^ I have the honor 
to lay before you a report of the Adjutant General, giving you 
the desired information. There is no "State Armory", pro- 
perly so called, in the state ; the arms and military' stores apper- 
taining thereto have to be kept in such places as can be most 
advantageously procured for that purpose. ^^ 

Edward Salomon. 



34 Colonel Murphy was dismissed from the service for permitting 
the surprise, capture, and destruction by Confederate cavalry under 
Van Dorn, of the military depot under his command at Holly Springs, 
Miss., where Grant had gathered a million dollars' worth of. stores 
as a base of supplies in his attempted march from Memphis to Vickff- 
burg. — Ed. 

35 The resolution called upon the Governor to furnish information 
relating to the quantity and character of military goods in the 
State. — Ed. 

36 See post, p. 275, note 76. — Ed. 

[196] 



1863] THANKSGIVING 

1863. In Legislative Recess 

The Governor issued the following 

THANKSGIVING DAY PR0CLA:\IATI0N 

The people of Wisconsin have much reason to be thankful to 
God for the many favors and blessings they have enjoyed dur- 
ing the past year. AVhile the calamities and dangers of war 
have visited so many of our sister States, we have been per- 
mitted to enjoy peace and prosperity within the borders of our 
State; the earth has been bountiful in its productions to us, and 
our harvest plentiful ; commerce, manufactures and all the arts 
and vocations of peace have flourished with unusual prosperity. 
And all of this has been vouchsafed to us while the nation has 
been, and is, in a fierce and bloody contest for its life and in- 
tegrity — a contest in which the brave and noble sons of "Wis- 
consin have shown unsurpassed endurance, heroism and de- 
votion to our country's sacred cause upon so many battle fields; 
and, thus bravely acting their part in the suppression of the 
rebellion, and assisting in driving the enemy from his strong- 
holds, have conferi'ed honor and renown upon themselves and 
our beloved State. 

Thanks to God who gave them such loyal and stout hearts and 
strong arms! Thanks to him for the success that has accom- 
panied our army . within the past year, bringing nearer to ns 
constantly a permanent national peace, unity and happiness. 

Now, therefore, in compliance -wdth a time-honored custom, 
and conforming to a recent proclamation of the President of the 
l"^nited States appointing a day of National Thanksgiving, I, 
Edward Salomon, Governor of the State of "Wisconsin, do 
hereby appoint Thursday, 26th day of November, 1863, as a 
day of Thanksgiving and Rest, and request the people of the 
State of "Wisconsin that, laying aside all their secular pursuits^. 

[197] 



GOVERNOR SALOMON [1863- 

they repair on that day to their accustomed places of worship, 
there to offer their gratitude to God for the blessings and favors 
we have been permitted to enjoy during the past year. And 
in that gratitude let us not omit to remember the many noble 
and departed heroes who have laid their lives upon the altar of 
our common country, to save it from destruction and ruin; nor 
their weeping widows, orphans, relatives and friends; nor those 
who have sacrificed health and limbs in this great national 
struggle; nor those who yet so bravely stand around the flag 
of the Union. 

Let us remember them and those that are dear to them. Let 
us comfort and assist them in their affliction and their struggles. 
In offering our Thanks, let them be mingled with Prayers for 
a speedy and permanent restoration of peace, unity and hap- 
piness to our distracted country. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name 
and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be 
affixed. Done at Madison, the twelfth day of October in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three. 

Edward Salomon. 



[198 




Governor James T. Lewis 

From a photograph in possession or the Wisconsin Historical Society 



1864-66] SKETCH OF GOVERNOR LEWIS 



I 864-1 866. James Taylor Lewis 

Biographical Sketch 

James Taylor Lewis, ninth Governor of Wisconsin, was born 
at Clarendon, Orleans County, New York, October 30, 1819, the 
son of Shubael Lewis, a native of Massachusetts, and Eleanor 
(Robertson) Lewis, a native of Scotland. He was educated at 
Clarkson Academy and Clinton Seminaiy, both in western New 
York. After teaching school for a few years, he began the 
study of law in 1842, was admitted to the bar, and had good 
opportunities to practice in his home county. Coming to 
Wisconsin in 1845 he settled at Columbus in Portage (now 
Columbia) County, where he resided until his death. He took 
up the practice of his profession and for a time was the only 
lawyer in the county. 

In 1846, Mr. Lewis married Orlina M. Sturges of his native 
place in New York. He was chosen county judge, later district 
attorney, and sat as a member of the Second Constitutional 
Convention, 1847-48. Judge Lewis was one of the organizera 
of the State Historical Society in 1849, and continued his mem- 
bership therein so long as he lived. In New York he had been 
a lieutenant in the Two Hundred Fifteenth Regiment of 
militia; in Wisconsin he was appointed colonel of the Four- 
teenth Regiment of militia and later a brigadier-general in that 
service. 

He was elected to the State Assembly of 1852, in the autumn 
of that year to the Senate, and at the election of 1853 was chosen 
Lieutenant-Governor. At the end of his service in the last 
named capacity, in January, 1856, he returned to his law prac- 
tice, and was not active politically for a number of years, Lewii 
had always been a steadfast Democrat, but he left that party at 

[199] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864-66 

the outbreak of the Civil War. Both the Union and Republican 
conventions nominated him for Secretary of State in 1861, and 
he was elected to that office. 

In 1863 he was nominated for Governor by the Union-Repub- 
lican convention, and elected by a large majority. The war 
was now drawing heavily on the resources of the State, and 
■the Governor wisely exerted himself to secure economy in the 
use both of money and of men. At the same time he was ener- 
getic in supplying the troops that were called for, and in 
providing the best possible care for the sick and wounded 
soldiers. 

It was his privilege to proclaim the end of the war and to 
welcome the returning troops. He was also a strong advocate 
of soldiers' and sailors' orphans' homes for the care of those 
whose services to the State and the Union had rendered them 
incapable of supporting themselves or those dependent upon 
them. At the close of his term he declined a re-nomination and 
retired to private life. Governor Lewis was soon offered a 
foreign mission, but declined this honor as he did several other 
State and national offices. He thereafter rarely took an active 
part in political affairs, but the welfare of the State was always 
of interest to him, especially its University and other educa- 
tional and benevolent institutions. 

He died on August 4, 1904, about a year after the death of his 
wife. 



[ 200 ] 



i864] ANNUAL MESSAGE 



1864. Seventeenth Annual Legislative Session, January 13- 

April 4 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention 
on January 14, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

from which are taken the folowing extracts, relating to the war: 

Fellow Citizens of the Senate and Assenibly: 

The welfare of our State being the object of our meeting here 
to-day, it is fitting that our thanks should first go out to Him 
whose care is over all His creatures, who supplies our wants, 
presides over our councils, and gives us wisdom to guide them, 
for the many blessings we are now permitted to enjoy, and that 
we should with devout hearts ask the continuance of them. 

Seldom has any people had greater reasons to be thankful. 
Wliile passions, wild and terrible, have seemed to guide the 
councils of some of our sister States, bringing upon them the 
devastations of war and its concomitant evils; while disease 
and famine are staring them in the face, Wisconsin is quietly 
and calmly pursuing the even tenor of her ways; her people 
are enjoying the blessings of health ; her granaries are filled to 
overflowing, and peace and plenty reign within her borders. 

[Statement of funds utilized for military purposes:] 

Receipts into the Allotment Fund during fiscal year just 

closed amounted to 37 $482 , 005 86 

Disbursements during year 451,269 18 



3" The "allotment fund" was not strictly a fund. It was rather a 
method for transmitting the pay or allotments of the volunteers to 
their families at home. — Ed. 

[201 1 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

Balance in fund September 30th, 1862 1,927 76 

Balance in fund September 30th, 1863 32,664 46 

The amount disbursed during the last fiscal year by the Gov- 
ernor, for the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers was 13,999 91 
The amount received into the War Fund during the last 
fiscal year. Including the balance in the fund at the com- 
mencement of the year, was 818 , 032 44 

Amount disbursed from this fund during same period was 786,892 85 

Balance in fund September 30th, 1863 31,139 59 

The whole anioimt of State indebtedness, on the first day of 
the present month, was seventeen hundred and seventy-five 
thousand dollars. This debt was created, pursuant to provi- 
sions of law, by the issue of State bonds and certificates of in- 
debtedness, the bonds bearing interest at the rate of six per 
cent per annum, and the certificates at the rate of seven per 
cent per annum. 

The money arising from the sale of these bonds and certifi- 
cates, has been expended, pursuant to law, for building the 
State Capitol; payment of tax levied by the General Govern- 
ment upon the property of the State, for war purposes; pay- 
ment of l)Ounty of five dollars per month to the families of 
volunteers; boarding soldiers, and preparing them for the 
field; caring for sick and wounded soldiers, and other war 
purposes. The greater proportion of this debt, having been 
created for war purposes, is a legitimate charge against the 
General Government. The General Government has already 
repaid a part of the money advanced by the State for carrying 
on the war, and, I doubt not, will eventually repay the bal- 
ance. This money, if refunded, will be sufficient to liquidate 
all State indebtedness, and should be applied to that purpose. 
The amount paid to families of volunteers, from the com- 
mencement of the war up to January 1st, 1864, was $1,197, 
044.70. Amount paid on United States tax, $441,735.37. 
Amount paid for building State Capitol, from avails of bonds 
sold, $100,000. Amount advanced by the State, for boarding 
and equipping soldiers, caring for sick and other war expenses 

[ 202 ] 



^864j ANNUAL MESSAGE 

not enumerated above, and stiil a charge against the General 
Government, about $200,000. Amount stiil due the State horn 
banks, on sale of war bends during the year 1861, $173,950. 

* ^;: * * * * * # 

Relying as we do on the militia for defense in great and sud- 
den emergencies, good policy would seem to require its thor- 
ough and efficient organization. AVith this end in view, the 
militia law of last winter was doubtless enacted, but being 
passed hurriedly, near the close of the session, is necessarily 
imperfect and needs much amendment.^^ Under its provisions, 
however, a partial organization has been effected. By this act 
the militia of the State is divided into two classes. The first 
class denominated the organized militia, intended for immedi- 
ate service should occasion require, consists of four regiments 
and one battalion of infantry, and two batteries of artillery, 
and numbers four thousand and thirty-two men. The second 
class, consisting of all persons subject to military duty not in- 
eluded in the first class, is denominated the enrolled militia. 
The number of persons in the State belonging to this class is 
ninety-five thousand eight hundred and twelve. 

Of her volunteers in the field, Wisconsin has reason to be 
proud. She sent forth noble men, and nobly have they done 
their duty. Bj^ deeds of valor they have won the high position 
they now occupy. Troops from other Northern States are en- 
titled to great credit. We yet must claim for Wisconsin soldiers 
the highest meed of praise. 

In response to the calls of the General Government, Wiscon- 
sin had sent to the field on the first day of November last, ex- 
clusive of three months' men, thirty-four regiments of infantry, 
three regiments and one company of cavalry, twelve batteries 
light artillery, three batteries of heavy artillery, and one com- 
pany of sharpshooters. Making an aggregate of forty-one 



38 The militia law referred to, is contained in Wis. Gen. Laws, 1863, 
chap. 242. The desired amendments were made by Id, 1864, chap. 

407.— Ed. 

[ 203 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

thoiisand seven himdred and seventy-five men. Of this num- 
ber sixteen thousand nine hundred and sixty-three have been 
lost to the service by death, discharge and desertions, leaving 
in the service on the first day of November last, twenty-four 
thousand eight hundred and twelve men. The State can never 
fully repay our soldiers for the sacrifice they have made and 
are now making. It can and should do much to aid them, how- 
ever, by adding to their comforts in the field and in hospitals^ 
caring for their families, and assisting them in procuring their 
pay for services rendered the Government. 

Much trouble, delay and inconvenience has been experienced 
by these entitled to bounties, back pay and pensions, in obtain- 
ing their just dues. "Whether the State cannot further aid 
this class of persons in establishing and procuring payment of 
these claims, is a subject well worthy your attention. 

Many of our volunteers have been transferred to the Invalid 
Corps.^'' The families of these soldiers are equally entitled to 
the aid furnished by the State, with those who remain in their 
regiments. Provision should be made for their payment, upon 
proper reports being furnished from officers in command of 
this corps. 

Provision was made, at the last session of the Legislature, 
for the payment to the families of certain deceased soldiers, 
of five dollars per month for six months after the death of the 
soldier. I doubt not the intention of the Legislature was to ex- 
tend this benefit to the families of all deceased soldiers residing 
in the State, but from the wording of the act it could only be paid 
to the families of soldiers who were in the service at the time of 



39 The Invalid Corps was organized in 1863 to give employment to 
the thousands of partially-disabled volunteers in the army who were 
unfit for further active service in the field. To it were assigned the 
lighter military and civil duties connected with the provost guard, 
the depots of the quartermaster's and subsistence departments, the 
hospital service, and the garrisoning of seaboard forts. See RehelUon 
Records, gen. index, under "Invalid Corps." — Ed. 

[204] 



i864] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

its passage, and who died in the service after that date. This 
law should be so amended as to extend equal benefits to the 
families of all deceased soldiers residing in the State. 

While we should strive to do all in our power to protect and 
care for those who are entitled to our protection, we should 
also properly guard the Treasury against those who seek, but 
are not entitled to, aid from the State, Persons in affluent 
circumstances, having sons in the army, on whom they never 
depended for support, have, in some instances, sought by false 
representations, to obtain this bounty offered by the State, 
For the punishment of this class of persons, and as a safeguard 
against fraudulent claims upon the state treasury, stringent 
laws should be enacted. I submit herewith, for your informa- 
tion upon this subject, the very able and full report of the 
Adjutant General, showing the condition of our State militia, 
of our troops in the field, and suggesting amendments to the 
militia law — all of which I commend to your careful considera- 
tion.*" 

Congress has very wisely provided for the establishment of 
an Agricultural College in our State^ and has donated two 
hundred and forty thousand acres of land for its endo'vsTment. 
This land has been selected during the past year, and it is 
«aid to be of a good quality. 

In view of the importance of such an institution to the in- 
terests of the State, and of the fact that unless it is established 
wdthin five years from the passage of the act making the grant, 
the land reverts to the General Government, I feel it my duty 
to urge upon the Legislature the necessity of immediately mak- 
ing provision for the location of this institution, the sale of 



40 All of the recommendations contained In this and the two fore- 
going paragraphs were enacted into law by Wis. Gen. Laws, 1864, 
chap. 117, which effected a complete revision of the volunteer! aid 
system of the State. — En. 

[205] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

the lands granted by Congress, and the purchase of a farm and 
erection of buildings thereon; in short, the necessity of com- 
plying with the conditions of the grant in order that we may 
reap us benefits. 

The events of the last two years having so fully demon- 
strated the want of a school within our State w4iere military 
instruction may be obtained, I would also suggest the pro- 
priety of incorporating into the organic act establishing this, 
college, a provision requiring that a prescribed amount of mili- 
tary instruction shall be included in its course of study, suf- 
ficient at least to ground its students in the rudiments of mili- 
tary science.'*^ 
* =::= =:? >::= * * * » 

Complaints are made in different parts of the State 
cf fraudulent voting ; that men who have long exercised the 
right of the elector and claimed the protection of the Govern- 
ment, nov/ in the day of the Nation's peril, being unwilling 
to bear its burdens, claim to be subjects of a foreign power, 
and to avoid the draft bring forward proof that they were 
never entitled to vote, thus publishing their own wrong; that 
seme have been in the habit of voting under assumed names; 
that others have voted more than once at the same election. 
These evils, if they exist, should be corrected. The purity 
and permanency of our institutions depend much upon the 
proper exercise of the elective franchise. The election laws 
should be thoroughly examined and so amended as to properly 
guard the exercise of this sacred right.*^ 

In comm.enting, as we have thus far, upon subjects more 
immediately connected with our State affairs, we are not un- 



41 Military instruction was established in the University by Id, 1866, 
chap. 114, in fulfillment of one of the requirements of the College Land 
Grant Act of July 2, 1862.— Ed. 

42 Wis. Oen. Laics, 1864, chap. 445, provided for the registration of 
voters, "to guard against the abuse of the elective franchise and to pre- 
serve the purity of elections." — Eio. 

[206] 



i864] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

mindful that we owe allegiance to the General Government, 
and have duties to perform in connection therewith. 

Notwithstanding peace and plenty reign within the borders 
of our State, we cannot lose sight of the fact that the nation 
is engaged in war — a war of great magnitude and importance; 
of immense importance to us r.s a State; of immense import- 
ance to the world. 

The interests, the hopes and fears of millions now hang 
trembling in the balance, and the position of our State may 
luni the scale. How important that we examine carefully 
the ground on which we stand, and that we are found arrayed 
upon the side of justice and humanity. 

Wisconsin is now standing side by side with all the Free 
States in support of the General Government; in support of 
law and order; in support of freedom. The important ques- 
tion which presents itself to our mind is, are we right in our 
position? If we are, it is our duty to go forward, press on 
the war with renewed energy until victory and peace shall 
crown our efforts. If wrong, our first duty should be to 
place ourselves in a true and correct position. In judging of 
this matter, we may very properly ask ourselves the question, 
are our minds free from prejudice and passion? It is natural 
that the monarchs of the old world, as well as the aristocrats 
upon our own soil, impressed with the dangers that threaten 
their tenure of place and power from the spread of our free 
principles, should desire the downfall of this Government, and 
to accomplish this end should counsel the withdrawal of our 
armies, and the final separation of these States. There may 
be those, also, in our midst whose narrow prejudices, whose 
love of gain or fear of personal harm, will induce them to 
withhold support from the Administration, favor the with- 
drawal of our troops, and the consequent destruction of the 
Government. Our faith, however, in the integrity and loyalty 
of our people, is too strong to permit us to believe there are 
many of this class of persons in our State. It is true some 
within our borders may have arrayed themselves against the 

[207] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

<xovernment, but we have the charity to believe that most of 
them were but temporarily misled, and that. they will, when 
their eyes are opened to their true position, place themselves 
on the side of law and order. The large numbers who have 
gone forth to battle, the voice of the people of this State heard 
in the late election, afford incontestible proof, that with the 
great majority of our people, patriotism rises above prejudice 
and passion; that the hearts of the people are rightly attuned 
to the music of the Union.*^ 

Our people, in taking their position, calmly reviewed the 
ground and candidly asked, have the South any real griev- 
ances ? 

"Eternal separation from the working classes, the mud-sills 
of the North; destruction to the Government", was the answer 
received from those in rebellion. The only answer to their 
request for calm discussion and consideration, was the boom- 
ing of the rebel cannon, the fall of Sumter's walls, and the 
trampling of the Stars and Stripes in the dust. Yet, with all 
this provocation, our Government has prosecuted the war with 
great moderation — more in sorrow than in anger. 

At this late day, we would again calmly ask, what are the 
grievances of the South, or upon what do those now in re- 
l^ellion base their action? Can they find an excuse for their 
course in the claim they first set up, of the right of secession? 
This poisonous doctrine needs no refutation at this day. It 
is working its own cure. Even in the South, in the boasted 
Confederacy, among those who first started and urged this 
doctrine, it is now repudiated. States that pretended to unite 
their fortunes with the so-called Confederacy, have already 
<ienied its authority over them, and claimed this same right of 
secession, which is denied, and coercion threatened by the 



43 In the gubernatorial election of 1863, the Union majority was 
approximately 24. 000 out of a total vote of about 135,000. The military 
vote of 8,000 was almost unanimous for the Union candidate, James 
T. Lewis. — Ed. 

[208] 



1863] soldiers' families 

rebel Congress. Do they base their cause upon the righteous- 
ness of Slavery? It has long since written its own shame and 
disgrace. The world has written "infamous" over against it, 
and thus pronounced its doom. 

Did they complain of a high tariff? The tariff was reduced 
to a revenue basis. 

Did they ask representation for their slaves in Congress? 
It was conceded. 

Did they require the Missouri Compromise? It was granted. 

Did they, after enjoying its benefits, ask its repeal, that 
they might not be bound by those provisions that militated 
against them? The North yielded to their request. 

Did they require Southern men as diplomatic agents of the 
Government abroad, in order that their peculiar institution 
and their particular interests, might be guarded? They had 
them, even at the expense of the commerce of the Union, and 
the interests of the North. 

Did they desire Southern men — men in their interest, upon 
the Supreme bench? They had them. 

Did they require that a majority of the officers of the army 
and navy, and a majority of all the civil officers of the Gov- 
ernment should be Southern men, and men in their interests? 
They had them. 

Did they demand that their runaway slaves should be caught 
and returned to them? United States officers were upon their 
track, and the poor, sun-dyed African too dearly paid the 
penalty which Southern chivalry affixes to a love of freedom. 

Do they rest their cause upon the injustice or oppression 
of the North? Historv% as well as their own best statesmen, 
deny the base slander. The only fault of the North, if it be a 
fault, is that they have but too faithfully "Kept the bond and 
given the pound of flesh." 

Wliy then, let me again ask, do we find the South in hostil- 
ity against the best Government the world ever saw? Let 
their own men, the men who are now foremost in the rebellion, 
answer. ""We desire (say they) to found a new Govern- 

[2001 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

ment whose corner, stone shall rest on slavery. For liberty^ 
equality, fraternity, to establish slavery and subordination." 
Here, then, we have an answer in their own words. They are 
arrayed against this Government because it is based upon lib- 
erty and equality, upon the freedom and intelligence, instead 
of the slavery and ignorance, of its people. We find them 
undertaking to destroy a Union they had sworn to protect and 
preserve; undertaking to break up a Government they had no 
legal or equitable power to dissolve; to roll back the tide of 
civilization, and establish on the ruins of this Republic, a des- 
potism of the most despicable character, for no other reason 
than that this Government seeks to protect the rights of its 
citizens. Are we not right, then, in sustaining the Adminis- 
tration; in sustaining the Government; in standing beside the 
free States of the North in support of law and order; in sup- 
port of freedom? 

If our fathers were patriots in establishing this Govern- 
ment, we certainly cannot be far wrong in maintaining it. 
Believing then, as we sincerely do, that the government is in 
the right, that it is fighting in a holy and just cause, that duty 
demands of us action and sacrifice in its behalf, that efforts to 
patch up a temporary peace or obtain it by concessions ta 
traitors, are not only dishonorable, but tend to protract the 
war and make it more expensive and dangerous — we hope to 
see Wisconsin unite all her energies, without distinction of 
party or sect, in prosecuting the war with the utmost vigor. 
Let us sustain the government and prosecute the war with a 
will and determination that shall carry the conviction to the 
minds of traitors, that obedience to the legally constituted 
authorities is the only course left to them; that our Govern- 
ment must be respected. The Union must stand, and we shall 
soon see the principles of liberty and equality re-established 
in every part of our National domain, firm as the rock of ages, 
there to stand a blessing to the world, an enduring monument 
of the fidelity and patriotism of those noble men of the Revo- 
lution who founded, and the noble patriots who now defend it, 

[210] 



i864] STATE SURGEONS 

In conclusion, gentlemen, I will only add that in all efforts 
to promote the interests of the State and Nation, you shall re- 
ceive my hearty co-operation. 

James T. Lewis, 

January 14th, 1864. 



SURGEONS 



Executive Depaetment, 

Madison, Jan. 21st, 1864. 
To the Honorable the Assembly: 

I have to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of resolution 
No. 13, A. In compliance with the request conveyed thereby, 
I beg leave to state, that there are three Surgeons in the em- 
ploy of the State, in addition to the Surgeon General. Their 
names and locations are as follows : 

E. B. Wolcott, Surgeon General, located at Milwaukee. 
R. G. James, State Surgeon, attached to 5th Wis. Battery. 
L. C. Halsted, State Surgeon, attached to 7th Wis. Battery. 
G. Riddell, State Surgeon, attached to 10th Wis. Battery. 

The Surgeon General receives a salary of fifteen hundred 
dollars per annum.** 

State Surgeons rank as Lieutenants, and receive the pay 
of Assistant Surgeons in the United States service, which, I 
am informxcd, has lately been reduced to $112.83 per month, 
less the Government tax of three per cent on incomes exceed- 
ing $600. 

One of the above State Surgeons has informed me that he 
intends to resign. 

I may be permitted further to remark, that, in consequence 
of late orders by Generals, in the field, it will probably be 



44 The report of Surgeon-General E. B. Wolcott may be found in Wis. 
Assent. Jour., 1864, p. 879 ff.— Ed. 

[211] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

necessary to discontinue soon the services of some, if not all 
State Surgeons now on duty, except the Surgeon General. 

James T. Lewis. 



SANITARY AGENTS 

Executive Office, 
aUDisox, February 3d, 1864. 
To the HonoraMc the AsscmhJy : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a copy of 
resolution No. 2. A, which is as follows : 

Resolved, That His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to inform 
the Assembly how many agents the State has in her employ with the 
army, their names, and the amount of salary paid each per month. 

In reply, I would respectfully refer your honorable body 
to the communication of Hon. Edward Salomon, late Gov- 
ernor, made to the Legislature through the honorable, the 
Senate, on the 20th of Januarj' last and published in the 
Senate Journal of that day, which gives detailed statements 
of the expenditures of the "Soldiei*s' Relief Fund", and of 
the operations of the "Sanitary Agencies" of this State, dur- 
ing the past year.*^ 

From which it appears that on the first day of January, 
1864, the following persons were in the employ of the State, 
as agents to care for the sick and wounded soldiers, to wit : 

Mrs. C. A. P. Harvey, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and vicinity. 

W, Y. Selleck, at Washington, D. C. 

R. R. Corson, at Philadelphia, Pa. 

Col. Frank E. Howe, at New York City, N. Y. 

Hon. M. D. Bartlett, at Nashville, Tenn. 

Geo. W. Sturges, at St. Louis, Mo. 

SJeo. C. Smith, at Memphis, Tenn. 



43 See Wis. Sen. Jour., 1864, p. 35 ff; and ante, p. 181.— Ed. 

[212] 



i864] SANITARY AGENTS 

Geo. E. Davenport, at Memphis, Term. 
Rev. J. D. Stevens, at New Orleans, La. 

The rate of compensation of each of said agents, is also 
specified in said communication. 

Not having much personal knowledge of the wants of our 
soldiers in this respect, and wishing, first, to become more 
fully advised of the same, either from personal observation or 
the reports of those upon whom I can rely, I have not seen 
fit, as yet, to materially change the plan of operations marked 
out by my predecessors. In view, however, of the remoteness 
of New York from the seat of war, I deemed it proper, on the 
6th of Januaiy, to discontinue the agency at that place; in 
the propriety of which determination, Col. Howe himself very 
frankly acquiesced, as will be seen from the following ex- 
tract from his letter to me on the subject, \\z: "I feel that 
the necessity may no longer exist for an agency here, but beg 
you will make use of my services in any way I can be of use 
to the cause, for yourself and your State." 

Not deeming it necessary to have more than one agent at 
Memphis, I have appointed Jacob Low, Esq., of Lowville, to 
that position for the term of ninety days from January 21st, 
1864, in place of Messrs. George C. Smith and George E. 
Davenport, and have reduced the compensation of such agents 
from three dollars per diem and expenses, to three dollars 
and fifty cents per diem, including expenses. 

Rev. J. D. Stevens, I understand, was only temporarily 
stationed at New Orleans, and will probably soon return 
home. 

I have reason to hope that IMrs. Harvey will soon be able 
to take care of the sick and wounded soldiers at Memphis and 
below,'**' and JMr. Sturges of those at St. Louis, Quiney and 
Keokuk. 



•*« Mrs. Cordelia A. P. Harvey, widow of Governor Harvey, was one 
of the striking figures among those women of the North who devoted 
themselves to the care of sick and wounded soldiers'. She took up 

[213] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

Mr. Bartlett has returned from Nashville, and there is no 
agent now connected with the army of the Cumberland. I 
think there should be at least one good agent stationed at 
Nashville. The large number of Wisconsin soldiers in that 
section, in my opinion, fully warrant it. 

I have already caused inquiry to be made as to the neces- 
sity of continuing the agency at Philadelphia, and if I find 
it to be unnecessary^ I shall discontinue the same, and place 
the general ovemght of our soldiers in hospital at that place, 
in the hands of the agent at Washington. 

In conclusion, I desire to tender you my hearty co-opera- 
tion in all measures you may adopt, tending to promote the 
comfort and restore the health of our soldiers, in so far as the 
same shall appear practicable and proper. 

Respectfully, 

James T. Lewis. 



GETTYSBURG CEMETERY 

Executive Department, 
Madison, February 18th, 1864. 

To the Hono^rdble the Senate and Assemhhj: 

I herewith lay before you the report of W. Y. Selleck in 
regard to the Soldiers' National Cemetery, at Gettysburg,*^ 
and would recommend the appointment of a committee to in- 
quire into the necessity of further legislation upon this sub- 



and carried on with noble enthusiasm the work for which Governor 
Harvey had given his life. She was instrumental in securing the 
esttablishment of Northern hospitals, to which sick and wounded sol- 
diers might be removed for recovery. See E. A. Hurn, Wisconsin 
Women in the War (Madison, 1911); and post. p. 279, note 80. — Ed. 
47 See Wis. Assem. Jour., 1864, p. 302 ff. — Ed. 

[214] 



i864] GETTYSBURG CEMETERY 

ject on the part of this State.*^ I shall be pleased to lay 
before such committee all information in my possession bear- 
ing upon the subject. 

James T. Lewis. 



<8 A joint committee was appointed, upon whose recommendation the 
Legislature appropriated $2,523 as Wisconsin's share in the establish- 
ment of a Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg. — Ed. 



[215] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

1864. In Legislative Recess 

The Governor issued the following 

THANKSGIVING DAY PROCLAMATION 

Another year has passed; its trials, its victories, it^ re- 
wards, its punishments, its blessings have been recorded; its 
fruits have been gathered in. In reviewing them, how mani- 
fest are the reasons for thankfulness and praise to God for 
liis wonderful goodness to the children of men. For the many 
tokens of Divine favor, the many blessings they have been 
permitted to enjoy, the people of Wisconsin have great reason 
to be thankful. Pestilence and famine have been kept far 
from us. The labors of the miner, the mariner, the mechanic 
and the husbandman have been rewarded. The privileges of 
education and of worshiping God according to the dictates of 
conscience have been enjoyed by all. 

The honor and loyalty of AVisconsin have been most nobly vin- 
dicated on many a battlefield. Wherever our liberties have 
been assailed, an All-wise Creator has given us stout hearts 
and strong arms to defend them. 

The free institutions established by our fathers have been 
protected and preserved, and a wicked and unholy rebellion 
brought near to its close. 

While the people of our sister States have sufered from 
the devastations caused by hostile armies in their midst, our 
people have been spared this calamity. For all these and 
numerous other blessings, which God in His goodness has vouch- 
safed to us, for His loving kindness, His constant care and 
abundant mercies, we should with grateful hearts thank and 
praise him. 

Therefore, I, James T. Lewis, Governor of the State of Wis- 
consin, in accordance with a worthy and time-honored custom 
do hereby designate and appoint Thursday, the 24th day of 

[216] 



i864] THANKSGIVING 

Noveiriber, 1864, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to Al- 
mighty God, aiid 1 would recommend to the people that, lay- 
ing aside secular pursuits, they meet on that day in their ac- 
customed places of Avorship and offer thanks to God for the 
many blessings we have been permitted to enjoy during the 
past year; and with their thanks let the earnest, fervent prayer 
ascend for the protection of the widow and the orphan, the 
noble soldier and his suffering family, that we may all grow 
wiser and better, that all our blessings may be continued, and 
that peace may soon again visit and bless our land. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name 
and caused the great seal of the State of Wisconsin to be 
affixed. Done at Madison, this 22d day of October, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four. 

James T. Lewis. 



REVISING ENROLLMENT LISTS 
On November 28, 1864, the Governor issued the following: 

Proclamation 

Whereas, under the recent call for troops, considerable com- 
plaint was made of the excessive enrollment of the State; and 
whereas, by special authority obtained from the "War De- 
partment, the draft was temporarily postponed, in order that 
the enrollment lists might be properly revised and corrected; 
and whereas, the time allowed for this purpose was necessar- 
ily short and it was found impossible in the more distant parts 
of the State to accomplish the same prior to the day fixed for 
the draft, and whereas, authority is now given by the Provost 
IMarshal General for the further correction and revision of 
the enrollment lists, by striking therefrom the names of all 
persons improperly enrolled and by adding thereto the names 
of all persons liable to draft which have been omitted as here- 
inafter specified ; and whereas, this is a matter in which the 

[217] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [^864- 

people of the State are deeply interested, now therefore to 
the end that the troops hereinafter called for from this State 
(if any) may not be disproportionate to those called for from 
other states, and that the quotas assigned to the States may 
be justly and equally distributed between the several towns 
and wards thereof, 1, James T. Lewis, Governor of the State 
of Wisconsin do issue this my proclamation, requesting and 
recommending that all good citizens, and particularly the town, 
city and village authorities shall make timely and persistent 
efforts to thoroughly revise and correct the enrollment lists of 
their respective localities, and as to the manner of doing this 
and the authority therefor, I would call special attention to 
the following extracts from Circular No. 39 Provost Marshal 
General's Office bearing date the 15th inst. 

The attention of the Board of Enrollment is called to Section 6 of 
the act amendatory of the Enrollment Act which is in the following 
words. Viz: 

Section 6. And be it further enacted, that Boards of Enrollment 
shall enroll all persons liable to draft under the provisions of this Act, 
and the Act to which this is an amendment, whose names have been 
omitted by the proper enrolling oflBcers; all persons who shall arrive 
at the age of twenty years before the draft; all aliens who shall de- 
clare their intention to become citizens; all persons discharged from 
the military or naval service of the United States who have not been 
In such service two years during the present war; all persons who 
have not been exempted under the provisions of the second section of 
the act to which this is an amendment, "but who are not exempted by 
the provisions of this act; and said Boards of Enrollment shall re- 
lease and discharge from draft all persons who, between the time of 
the enrollment and the draft shall have arrived at the age of forty- 
five years, and shall strike the names of such persons from the enroll- 
ment. 

It is to be borne in mind by the Boards, that their duties In regard 
to the correction of the enrollment do not cease with Its revision ai 
recently completed or now in progress. On the contrary, the reTliIom 
and correction of these lists is a continuous duty, to which the labors 
of all Boards must be directed. The names of all persons liable to do 

[218] 



i864] ENROLLMENT LISTS 

military duty taking up their residence in a sub-district, as well as all 
in the sub-district who from time to time become liable, shall be added 
to the Enrollment lists; and the names of persons who enlist into the 
military or naval service, or remove permanently from a district, or 
■whose liability terminates while in it, will be stricken off; and in case 
of removal, whenever it is practicable the Board of Enrollment of the 
district to which the person removes will be notified, and he will be 
enrolled by that board. 

The Board of Enrollment shall have copies of the enrollment lists 
open to the examination of the public at all proper times, and shall 
give public notice that any person may appear before the Board and 
have any name stricken off from the list, if he can show to the satis- 
faction of the Board, that the person named is not properly enrolled 
on account of — 

1st. Alienage; 2d. Non-residence; 3d. Over age; 4th. Permanent dis- 
ability of such a degree as to render the person not a proper subject 
for enrollment under the law and regulations; 5th. Having served in 
the military or naval service two years during the present war, and 
been honorably discharged. 

Civil officers, clergymen and all other prominent citizens, are invited 
to appear at all times before the Board to point out errors in the lists 
and to aid in the correction and revision thereof. 

And also to the following extracts from instructions to 
Col. Lvovell, A. A. Provost IMarshal General of this State ac- 
companying said circular. 

It is plainly for the interest of each sub-district to have stricken 
from the lists all names improperly enrolled, because an excess of 
names increases the quota called for from such sub-district, and that 
it is equally for the interest of each person enrolled in a given sub-dis- 
trict to place upon the lists all persons liable to do military duty, be- 
cause the greater the number to be drawn from the less the chance 
that any particular individual will be drawn. 

It is the personal interest of every enrolled man that the quota in 
•which he is concerned shall not be made too large and that his own 
chance for draft shall not be unjustly increased. Both these objects 
will be attained if all parties will aid in striking out the wrong names, 
and putting in the right ones. Especially is this the interest of those 
drafted men who, by putting in substitutes themselves liable to draft, 

[219] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1864- 

have secured exemption which, by the terms of the law, holds good 
only until the present enrollment is exhausted in their sub-districts. 

Men who are over forty-five years of age and in consequence excused 
by law from the performance of duty in the field, owe it to the cause 
and to the country to take a zealous and active part in the correction 
of the enrollment lists — a military service of the first importance. 

The law requires that quotas shall be assigned in proportion to the 
enrollment; and the fairness and justice of this mode of determining 
the amount of military service due from each and every section of the 
country cannot be doubted, if the enrollment is made as nearly perfect 
as it is practicable to make it. The amount of service due to the 
nation from every town and county is thus laid fairly and plainly be- 
fore the citizens and I am sure that a higher motive than selfish in- 
terest will prompt all to do their share in perfecting the enrollment, 
and securing a just and efficient execution of the laws for raising 
troops, whenever it becomes necessary to apply them. 

Confer with the state and local authorities, and present the foregoing 
views to them, and secure if possible, prompt and practical assistance 
from them in perfecting the enrollment lists. The subject should re- 
ceive the attention of the town, precinct, and ward meetings and com- 
mittees. 

Deputy Provost Marshals and special agents will be required to de- 
vote all the labor possible to this service in their respective counties. 
They must communicate with the local autTiorities, clergymen, and 
other prominent citizens, as to the accuracy of the present lists, and 
the corrections necessary to be made. 

As far as practicable they should be required to visit each sub-dis- 
trict, carrying with them a copy of the list for such sub-district, which 
should be compared with the poll books of the sub-district, and having 
corrected it ,a true copy plainly written, shouI3 be posted at the places 
of voting in the sub-district, with a notice attached thereto, calling 
upon the citizens to suggest any further corrections that may have 
been overlooked. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereto subscribed my name 
and caused the great seal of the State of Wisconsin to be 
aflfixed. Done at Madison this twenty-eighth day of Novem- 
ber, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
sixty-four. James T. Lewis. 

[220 ] 



i865] ANNUAL MESSAGE 



1865. Eighteenth Annual Legislative Session, January 11- 

April 10 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention 
on January 12, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in which Avere made the following references to the military 
affairs of the State : 

Fellow Citizens of the Senate and Assembly: 

In obedience to the requirements of the Constitution, it 
again becomes my duty to communicate to the Legislature the 
condition of the State, and to recommend such matters as I 
may deem expedient for their consideration. 

When we contemplate the condition of our country, its neces- 
sities, the manner in which it has been preserved through all 
its trials, our minds naturally turn to Him whose care has 
been over us, who has protected and preserved us in all the 
trying scenes through which we have been called upon to pass. 

For the preservation of our liberties; for His care and pro- 
tection over those who have gone forth and are now risking 
their lives in defense of the principles upon which our happi- 
ness and prosperity rest; for life, health and plenty; for the 
guidance of that Unseen Hand which has led us through all 
our dangers; for that gleam of light we now see breaking 
through the clouds and darkness that have for the last four 
years surrounded us; for these and many other blessings of 
which we have been the recipients, let us render thanks to 
our Heavenly Father, and let us ask the continuance of His 
favor — His guidance in future. 

The duties of the Legislator are ever important and respon- 
ible. It would be difficult to fix bounds to the influence that 
its acts exert. Man can confide to his fellow man no higher 

. [221 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

trust than the power to legislate for him; but doubly import' 
ant do these duties become in times like the present, when 
men's passions are excited, when nations are convulsed, and 
the destiny of ages seems hanging upon the result of the trans- 
actions of a single day. If ever the legislator needed Divine 
influence — v/isdom from on High to guide him, he needs it 
now. You are not alone to care for the local interests of your 
immediate constituents; your acts will encourage the patriotic 
soldier, and ail the friends of freedom, or they will encourage 
the enemies of the Government in their mud schemes to sub- 
vert its authorit}^ Your acts should, and doubtless will, aid 
in the promotion of liberty. They yhould vindicate the prin- 
ciples upon which our Government rests, for if these be obliter- 
ated by the rebellion of the South, the cunningly devised 
schemes and frauds of those in our own midst, or from any 
other cause, our liberties are gone. IMay they all tend to pro- 
mote the good of the State and nation, and the good of all 
mankind. In all such acts you will receive my hearty co-oper- 
ation. 

[Statement of funds utilized for military purposes] 

Total disbursements from War Fund for families of vol- 
unteers $615,693 6S 

Total receipts into Soldiers' Relief Fund 13,443 0^ 

Balance in Fund 3,973 90 

(The above statement is exclusive of last appropriation, said appro- 
priation not yet having been entered on the books of the Departments.) 

Total receipts into Allotment Fund $400,038 90- 

Balance in Fund 36 , 725 28 

Total receipts into War Fund 632 , 403 15 

Balance in Fund • 2,173 87 

Several appropriations have heretofore been made to the Gov- 
ernor, for military contingent expenses. The Legislature at its 
session in the year 1863. passed an act providing for a Military 

I 222 1 



i865] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

Couliiigent Fund, appropriating to the Governor the sum of 
three thousand dollars, and making it his duty to report to 
the Legislature at each session, the amount • expended from 
said fund/^ Seeing no necessity for the use of the fund, 1 
have made no drafts upon it, and have the honor therefore to 
report, that the money belonging to the Military Contingent 
Fund, except so far as the same had been drawn by my pre- 
decessors, remains in the State Treasury unexpended. 

It has been customary for the Legislature at each session to 
appropriate to the Governor the sum of five thousand dollars 
for contingent expenses. Of the money appropriated at the 
last session for this object, I have found it necessary to use 
but a small proportion. The balance unexpended and now 
remaining in the State Treasury being sufficient, in my judg- 
ment, to meet these expenses for several years to come, I 
would recommend that no appropriation for this object be 
made at the present session. 

The amount of State indebtedness is two millions and five 
thousand dollars. With the exception of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars borrowed, and used for the purpose of erecting 
the State Capitol, this debt was created for war purposes, and 
is a legitimate charge against the General Government. Large 
amounts advanced by the State, for the purposes above named, 
have already been repaid. Vouchers for a considerable further 
amount, are now in the hands of the proper United States 
auditing officers. Others M^ill soon be presented, and we con- 
fidently hope and expect that the day is not far distant, when 
all the money advanced by the State, for war purposes, will 
be refunded by the General Government, and the whole debt 
of the State, except the hundred thousand dollars used in 
erecting the State Capitol, liquidated thereby.^" Authority 



49 See Wis. Oen. Laws, 1863, chap. 141. — Ed. 

50 Wisconsin's war claim against the Federal government amounted 
originally to $1,742,202. By 1872 .all of it had been allowed and paid, 
excepting a doubtful balance of $93,833, The State authorities of that 

[223] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1^65- 

slionld be given to the State Treasurer to pay off any bonds 
outstanding against the State, before maturing, whenever they 
are presented, and the surplus in the State Treasury will war- 
rant him in so doing."^ 
******** 

The attention of the Legislature has frequently been called 
to the militia law of the State. To insure a faithful execu- 
tion of the laws an efficient military force should be organized 
and placed at the disposal of the Executive. The amend- 
ments of the last two years have greatly improved our militia 
system; yet it is still imperfect, and needs further amendment 
to make it effective." Owing to the imperfections of the sys- 
tem, want of interest among the people, as well as to the fre- 
quent calls of the general government for men, who must neces- 
sarily be drawn to a great extent from the State militia, the 
organized militia, consisting nominally of four regiments of 
infantry, and two batteries of artillery, is at present in a very 
inefficient state. The enrolled militia, consisting of all per- 
sons subject to military duty, not included in the organized 
militia, numbers 82,981 men. 

The State has. at the present time. Ordnance. Arms, Ammu- 
nition and Military Stores, as follows: 



time evidently considered this settlement satisfactory, and the account 
was closed. Thirty years later, however, in 1902, the matter was 
again opened, for the State now laid claim to the amount paid in 
interest and the discount suffered in the disposal of certain bonds, 
the proceeds of which were used for equipping troops. In 1903 this 
claim was also allowed, and the State received in consequence 
$460,436. Two years later (1905), the State received from the Federal 
government a still further allowance of $727,740.18. — Ed. 

51 No such authority appears! to' have been given. — Ed. 

52 The militia system of the State had been completely reorgan- 
ized by Wis. Gen. Laws. 1863, chap. 242, and Id, 1864, chap. 407. Fol- 
lowing the recommendation of the governor, minor changes were made 
by Id, 1865, chaps. 323, 498.— ED. 

[ 224 ] 



18^5] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

Six-pounder S. B. Bronze Field Guns, with carriages g 

Twelve-pounder, Mountain Howitzer, with carriage and am- 
munition cart X 

Caissons for six-pounder guns 6 

Muskets, Rifled Muskets and Rifles, with accoutrements and 

appendages 5,186 

Pistols and Holsters 50 

Swords and Sabres with scabbards and accoutrements 444 

Muskets, Rifled Muskets and Rifles unserviceable 665 

Canister and round shot for six-pounder guns (rounds) 59 

Shot and shell for twelve-pounder Mountain howitzer (rounds) 100 

Ball Cartridge 103,320 

Pounds of Powder 25 

Bars of Lead 150 

Gun-caps 7,000 

Canteens 4,000 

Haversacks 4,000 

In addition to the above, there is on hand a large number 
of extra equipments, accoutrements and appendages, which 
are not required to make up the "stand of arms" complete. 

For full detailed statements cf the condition of the military 
property of the State, and of military operations, I refer you 
to the able and interesting reports cf the Adjutant General, 
Quartermaster General, and Surgeon General, herewith sub- 
mitted." 

To the calls of the Government for troops, no state has re- 
sponded with greater alacrity than has Wisconsin. She has 
sent to the field since the commencement of the war forty-four 
regiments of Infantry, four regiments and one company of cav- 
alry, one regiment of heavy artillery, thirteen batteries of light 
artillery, and one company of sharp-shooters, making an aggre- 
gate (exclusive of hundred day men), of seventy-five thousand 
one hundred and thirty-three men. To this large number 
furnish'ed by our young state should be added the three regi- 



es These reports may be found in Wis. Mess, and Docs., 1865, pp. 
443, 859, 963.— E». 

15 [225] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1^65- 

ments of oue hundred day men, who so nobly responded to the 
call at a critical moment, when their services were so much 
needed, and whose services were of so much importance to the 
Government, as to call forth from the Commander-in-Chief the 
highest special commendation. 

Further provision should be made for keeping and preserv- 
ing records of the names, and deeds of valor, of all Wiscon- 
sin's sons who have taken part in the great national struggle 
in which we are now engaged. It is due to them, and to pos- 
terity, that such records should be handed down to future 
time, and spread before the rising generation for their emula- 
tion." 

The debt of gratitude we owe to our soldiers and sailors for 
their great achievements, we can never fully repay. To their 
exertions, under the guidance of an All-wise Providence, is 
due the salvation of our country, and to no equal number is 
greater credit due, than to the soldiers and sailors of our own 
State. They have fought in nearly every action on land and 
sea, and none have fought better, none have made the last 
great sacrifice, the sacrifice of life itself, more willingly at their 
country's call than they. But the soldiers and sailors of "Wis- 
consin need no eulogy from me; with their own right arms 
they have written their own proud history. Their patriotism, 
valor, courage and endurance have never been excelled. Their 
praises are upon every tongue. As a State we should also pay 
some further tribute of respect to, and adopt some further 
measures to perpetuate the memory and example of, the noble 
heroes from Wisconsin who have fallen in defense of the lib- 
erties of the Nation. A suitable monument should be erected 
at the Capital of the State, on which should be inscribed their 
names. I doubt not their names are registered in Heaven — 
let them also be registered on earth. They should ever be 
borne in remembrance by those for whom they fought and 



B*Wis, Oen. Laws, 1855, chap. 179, authorized the Adjutant-General 
to prepare individual records of all Wisconsin soldiers. — Ed. 

[226] 



i865] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

died. Their families should also receive our attention. The 
heroic dead are gone — their orphan children are still with 
us. Let us seek them out and cherish them as the children 
of that State and country for whose benefit their natural pro- 
tector offered up his life.^^ 

Ever}' effort has been made for the relief of the sick and 
wounded soldiers, of which the nature of the case, and the 
means at my disposal would admit. But so extended has been 
the field of military operations, and so numerous and scattered 
the cases, that I have found it impossible to meet the wants of 
all ?.s fully as I would wish to have done. IMuch has been done 
by correspondence, in obtaining furloughs, transfers, dis- 
charges, descriptive rolls, and otherwise assisting them. I 
have personally visited them in Hospitals, so far as time and 
attention to other duties of my office would permit. I have 
also sent agents to them, and through these means many who 
were lingering in Hospitals, and who could be of no further 
use to the Government, have been discharged and returned to 
their families. ]\Liny others have been provided with com- 
forts, which have tended to soften their afflictions and ma- 
terially aid in their speedy recovery and return to duty. Great 
credit is due our citizens generally for their efforts in behalf 
of our sick and wounded soldiers. From nearly every ham- 
let and village all over the State, have gone forth comforts 
for them. To the Ladies' Aid Societies especially is great 
credit due for the assistance they have rendered in caring for 
them and their families. They have with timely aid alleviated 
much suffering, and have doubtless been the means of saving 
many valuable lives. The thanks of a grateful people, the 
gratitude of the brave soldier, the destitute orphan, wife and 
mother, are their rewards. 



55 No law was passed in 1865 relating to a soldiers' monument. 
Wis. Gen. Lares, 1865, chap. 416, deals with relief for soldiers' families. 
The Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Madison was established in 1866; 
see post, p. 279, note 80. — Ed. 

[227] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [^865- 

Hospitals have been established at Madison, Prairie du Chien 
and Milwaukee, and Wisconsin soldiers are enjoying their 
benefits so far as I have been able to get them transferred or 
ordered to report to these Hospitals. I have urged upon the 
War Department the importance of providing Hospital ac- 
commodations, and sending all our sick and wounded soldiers 
into our own State, where they might receive the benefits of 
our bracing and invigorating atmosphere, and be accessible to 
their relatives and friends, whose kind care and attention would 
aid much in restoring them to healtli and usefulness. The 
claims of the sick and wounded soldiers should receive careful 
consideration at your hands. Ample provisions should be made 
for their wants, and for the wants of the families of all Wis- 
consin soldiers now engaged in this great struggle.^® 

I am informed that many citizens who have enjoyed the pro- 
tection of the Government, and whose property, in some in- 
stances, is still protected by it, have, to avoid doing their duty 
in the field, ignominionsly fled to foreign countries. T would 
suggest to the Legislature the propriety of taking away from 
such men rights they will not aid in defending.^^ 

Your attention is invited to the able and interesting report 
of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This report con- 
tains many valuable suggestions concerning the management of 
our schools, and is evidently the result of much care and 



56 Ibid, chap. 465, appropriated to the Governor $15,000 for the care of 
sick and wounded Wisconsin soldiers. The three hospitals mentioned 
■were United States general hospitals, established chiefly through the ef- 
forts of Mrs. Harvey. See Hurn, Wisconsin Women in the War, 
pp. 134-144.— Ed. 

57 Wis. Gen. Laws, 1863, chap. 32, provided for stay of proceedings in 
civil actions against persons in military service. Upon the suggestion 
of the Governor this was amended by Id. 1865, chap. 362, to make it in- 
applicable to those who deserted after having enlisted, or after having 
been drafted. — Ed. 

[228] 



'*^'^5] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

thought. And especially would I call your attention to the 
ZZZTof *'""" T" '"' ^""^^^^ »' N"™«' Scho t 
any, but common school systems can have but little vitality 

^C7yZ''''T 'r'"' •" ^"^^ "-- into tec "^ 
Many of those who have heretofore been engaged In teaching 

rtZs and th'e rt'sL mTlo 1 1 tr'^"^-^' ^° ''^"^''' ''^- 
for the'adoption ^Zellr tr^'p"!^ 1^^^ 

me a State Normal School, at which advanced pupils from 
our common schools may be further educated and fitted fo" 
teachers, ,s worthy your careful consideration. There is no 
subject of more vital in.portance to the interests of tie State 
and Nahon than the subject of Education. As no people can 
e enslaved with it, so no people can become great andp wer 

t nTe^So ;*; : "' ' '^"'"""'^ '"^*»- «f «^^ -aTof 
It m tile Southern States to-dav ViT^r.^^ ^ i . „. 

^1 ►-i^'tt, lo aay. Want o± general intellio-enee 

among the masses of the people of the South ,-. ' ^ '^^""^^ 
rPfl^nn ,,ri,^r +1. pcjpie 01 me bouth, is a prominent 

men t V H "' "°" «"deavoring to subvert this Govern- 

edTca.ethef','; •,/"'* *'"" ""*"" '° ""'^'' States to 
educate the few, while the great mass of the people have been 

educa r'S 'gTermea;: f/^ ?;™"-«^ ---"">y. i' 
+ V ^ ^^eai means o± self-preservation. Every man 

^0 e a good ctizen, must understand the duties of eiSn*"' 

the bar in the c „ r " """^ "'''"' '" ^''^ sehool-room, at 

me ha T, """"f"' "* *"' '''"''*-''»^ ^^-J - 'he legisla- 
Z * .J ''■"'* ^o^"-™™* is not the one that governs 
the mos, that punishes the most criminals, but the one tha 

"y du atL 1 " " r"^^""™^^ P"»i«hes least. That which 
t-,y educatmg ,ts people avoids the necessity of punishment 

[ 229 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS i^^^S- 

Every fonvard step, therefore, in the cause of education drives 
a nail in the coffin of despotism, increases the strength of free 
governments, tends to fix more firmly in the minds of the peo- 
ple the principles of eternal justice, and thus promote the 
best interests of society. 
******** 

The law authorizing soldiers to exercise the elective fran- 
chise at other places than their residence, should be thoroughly 
revised and amended, so as more effectually to guard against 
fraud and corruption. The privilege of exercising this sacred 
right should also be further extended, so as to include the large 
number who by the present lav/ are deprived of it in conse- 
quence of being on detached duty or confined in hospitals. ^^ 

The attention of the legislature is earnestly solicited to the 
subject of removing the rOving bands of Indians from the 
north-western portion of our State. Since the depredations 
and murders conuiiitted by them in Minnesota, a feeling of in- 
security has existed among our citizens in the sparsely settled 
north-western counties, to such an extent as in some instances, 
to cause them to abandon their homes. Several murders have 
been committed by Indians, and much property destroyed by 
them within our State during the last year. Their presence 
tends to retard settlement, and thus prevents the development 
of the country. Their ignorance and their wild and roving 
natures unfit them for a residence among civilized people. 

I am satisfied that the good of the State, and especially the 
good of our citizens residing in portions of the State frequented 
by them, as well as the good of the Indians themselves, demand 
that these natives of the forest be sent beyond the limits of 
Wisconsin. I have several times during the last year called the 



58 Soldiers' suffrage was provided for by Id. ex. sess., 1862, chap. 11, 
and 1863, chap. 59. As recommended, amendments were made by Id, 
1865, chap, 88.— Ed. 

[230] 



i865] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

attention of the officers of the General Government to Indian 
depredations and murders within our borders. Some action 
has l.'een had, but it would seem that nothing short of re- 
moval will allay the just fears, or meet the just demands of our 
people. 

I am aware that this is a subject coming properly within the 
jurisdiction of the General Government, yet may not this Leg- 
islature do much to bring about the desired object, by me- 
morializing Congress and making such a representation of the 
case, as will induce speedy action? I would recommend that 
the memorials be prepared upon this subject at an early day in 
the session, and that such other action be taken as the nature 
of the ease would seem to demand.^® 

It has seldom been the lot of the historian to record a greater 
calamit}' to any people than the calamity of civil war. When 
brother meets brother in civil strife, sad indeed is the spectacle. 
It was this against which the old hero of New Orleans and the 
Father of his country issued their solemn warnings. They 
knew full well the character of the American people. They 
knew full well the great sacrifice which must be made, and the 
great interests which would be at stake when civil war should 
be inaugurated. If the departed dead are cognizant of events 
transpiring in this world, there is no one thing upon this earth 
which tends more to disturb the old patriots in their graves 
to-day — which would sooner induce them to return again to 
earth to take part in the affairs of men, than the civil strife 
which has been inaugurated by traitors to overthrow this Gov- 
ernment. But sad as is the spectacle, deplorable as is the 
necessity that prompts, nay, compels all good citizens to t^ke 
up the sword in defence of the Government, a still greater 
calamity might and would befall mankind, were we to cease to 
defend our rights, and thus permit the downfall of our free 



59 No such memorials were passed in 1865. Five years later how- 
ever, as the result of a similar panic, an attempt was made to remove 
several roving bands of Indians; see Thwaites, Wisconsin, p. 396 ff. — Ed. 

[231 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

institutions. Inasmuch as the interests of the many are greater 
than the interests of the few, as the interests of the world, of 
our children, and the people of all coming time, are greater 
than the interests of the people now engaged in this struggle, 
would the calamity of the downfall of this Government be 
greater than that of the present civil strife. Duty then ad- 
m'onishes us to defend the Government, to draw the sword in 
self-defense. I will not at this time go into a discussion of 
the righteousness of our cause. It has already been too fully 
discussed, too well established, and is too well understood to 
require comment from me. No right thinking man, at home or 
abroad, denies, or attempts at this day to question, that it is 
our duty to sustain the Government and put down the rebellion. 
How then stands the case? Some one must lead in this great 
work. It is the people of the United States that are now im- 
mediately interested ; they must greatly suffer if we fail. They 
will enjoy the blessings if the Government is preser^^ed. Who 
then so largely interested, at the present time, as the people of 
the United States? The poeple composing this Government 
have selected their Coi."'iander-in-chief, and said to him go for- 
ward and do your duty , select the means and put down the 
rebellion. He has gone forward, has selected what he deems 
to be the pr.'.'^r means, and is striving with all his power, and 
all the power at his command, to accomplish the work. Few 
will be found I think who have the hardihood at this day to 
deny the integrity of the pilot now at the head of the nation. 
But whether they do or not, it is unquestionably true, that the 
chief-executive authority of this nation has been placed in pure 
and patriotic hands ; that the great end and aim of Abraham 
Lincoln is the salvation of the Government and the protection 
of the rights of the people. But this commander-in-chief, 
chosen by the people, has been arraigned by the minority (and 
the voice of the minority should be listened to and given its due 
weight) ; he has been charged with committing a great error, in 
selecting the means, and because of this error, as they term it, 
they refuse to support the administration, refuse even to assist 

[232] 



i865] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in saving themselves. In viewing this question we should let 
our minds expand ; open them wide enough to take in the 
whole scene before us. Men are too prone to take narrow and 
contracted views of this subject; some dark spot attracts their 
attention, heavy taxes, the draft, personal danger, loss of 
friends — all I admit grievous to be borne, and they fix upon 
it such a gaze, allow their minds to be so wholly absorbed in its 
contemplation, that they see nothing beyond, they see nothing 
else. They forget that great principles are at stake, that not 
only the interests of this Government, but the interests of the 
whole world, the interests of millions yet to be, are thrown in 
the balance, and involved in this contest. They forget that 
means must be selected commensurate to the end to be accom- 
plished. Let us try and get a more elevated position, where 
we can view the whole ground in all its vastness; open our 
minds to more enlarged and ennobling views; examine fairly 
and see if the means selected by the President are not the 
proper ones, and necessary to save and shield the nation. 

That the organized force of the rebels must be met with an 
organized force upon our side, none with any show of consist- 
ency can question. That this involves the calling for men, the 
organization of armies, the expenditure of large sums of money 
in their organization and support, and consequent heavy taxa- 
tion, is also beyond question. Where then is the error? The 
great head and front of the offense, say the opponents of the 
Administration, is the President's Proclamation of Emancipa- 
tion. "This is the rock on which we split." Let us look for a 
moment at this Proclamation. The object, as all will admit, is 
and should be the restoration of national authority. To this 
end none will deny that all proper measures, which tend to 
weaken the rebels and strengthen the Government, should be 
adopted. The question then naturally arises, is this a proper 
measure, and does it have that tendency? As to the legal and 
constitutional right of the Government to liberate, take, and 
use these black men, I need only say that it has long since been 
conceded by those most interested in the question, living in the 

[ 23.3 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

rebel states. None will deny the right of Government to take 
the property of those in rebellion and use it against the rebels, 
neither will they deny the right of Government to the service 
of its citizens to aid in its protection, or the right to take rebels 
in arms, or induce them by offers of pardon to join the forces 
of the Government. In whatever light, therefore, you may 
consider the negro slaves, whether property, citizens or enemy, 
the Government has alike the right to take them, use proper 
means to get them, and use them in defense of the nation.^" 

Says Patrick Henry, in speaking of our present constitution, 
"Among ten thousand implied powers which they may assume, 
they may, if we be engaged in war, liberate every one of your 
slaves if they please." Again, he says: "If you give power to 
the General Government to provide for the general defense, 
the means must be commensurate to the end; all the means in 
the possession of the people, must be given to the government 
which is intrusted with the public defense."*'^ The views of 
John Quincy Adam's upon this point, coinciding with the above, 
are too familiar to you all to require repeating here. But ad- 
mitting, says one, the Legal right to emancipate and use the 
slaves, was it not bad policy and a great error to do so? This 
is a proper question for consideration, and it is proper that 
it should be ansvrered. It was apparent to all, that the rebel 
States derived great strength from the labor of their slaves. 
They performed the manual labor of the country, thus leaving 
all the v.'hite population capable of bearing arms, at liberty to 
join their armies. Any measure, therefore, that would induce 
these slaves to leave their masters, would tend to weaken the 
rebellion, as their armies must have food, and if black men did 
not raise it, white men must. As was anticipated, thousands of 
black men did leave their masters and come into our lines, and 



60 Cf. Letter of Lincoln to J. C. Conkling, Aug. 26, 1863, in Rebell- 
i07i Records, serial no. 124, pp. 731-734. See post, p. 240, note 64. — Ed. 

61 See W. W. Henry, Life, Correspondence, and Speeches of Patrick 
Henry (New York, 1891), iii, p. 576.— Ed. 

[ 234 ] 



i865] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

the relel authorities are eornpelled to use a part of their force 
to-day in preventing others from doing the same thing. At 
this late day it will hardly be denied, that nearly two hundred 
thousand black men, who have left the South and joined our 
armies, have not only greatly weakened the rebels, but have 
also greatly strengthened the Government. To test this 
question more fully, let me ask, are there any so short- 
sighted to-day as to desire to see those black soldiers who are 
now fighting our battles, who are now holding Southern forts, 
and otherwise assisting the Government, returned to their 
masters to raise bread for the rebel army, and their places filled 
by a draft from our own citizens? 

I have not the data at hand to show the actual number that 
have been taken from the rebels and placed in our lines by this 
proclamation, but that the number is large, and in proportion 
as it is large, is beneficial to the Government, is beyond ques- 
tion. Another strong reason in my judgment, why this meas- 
ure was fraught with great good, m'ay be found in its influence 
upon foreign nations. There is no disguising the fact that 
at the time this proclamation was issued, there was great dan- 
ger of foreign intervention. Foreign nations, particularly 
England and France, so far as the aristocratic portions of them 
are concerned, would gladly see this government weakened by 
disunion. This they have shown in many ways. There is no 
question, either, that the great mass of the people of England 
and France are violently opposed to the institution of African 
slavery. While, therefore, the jealousy of these governments 
v.ould naturally lead them to recognize the Southern Confed- 
eracy, hoping to weaken us, the great mass of the people of 
those nations, when they saw this proclamation, and that the 
perpetuation of African slavery probably depended upon their 
recognizing the Confederacy and sustaining the rebellion, their 
hatred of slavery overcame the jealousy of these governments, 
and recognition was withheld. Had this proclamation been 
withheld, and this issue not been presented, the recognition of 
the Southern Confederacy by foreign powers would have been 

[235] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

more than probable.^- The following extract from a late letter 
of Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of the so-called 
Southern Confederacy, tends strongly to confirm this view of 
the question. He says: ''The silent sympathy of England, 
France, and other European powers, arises entirely from their 
mania upon the subject of negro slavery. Lincoln had either 
to witness our recognition abroad, the moral power of which, 
alone he saw would break down the war, or make it an emanci- 
pation war." 

It has been urged against this measure that the black man 
would not fight. Said Jackson, at Nevv' Orleans, in addressing his 
negro soldiers, "I expected much from you, for I was not unin- 
formed of those qualities which must render you so formidable 
to an invading foe." Again he says: "But you surpassed my 
hopes. I have found in you, united to these qualities, that noble 
enthusiasm which impels to great deeds." It is unnecessary^ 
however, to refer to the opinions held of these men, or their 
deeds in the past, to refute this argument. We have the proof 
of their courage, valor and endurance, now^ before our eyes. 
The present contest furnishes ample proof if any more were 
needed, upon this point. 

It has also been urged that it was dishonorable for the white 
soldiers to fight beside the black man. I need only to say in 
reply to this, that Washington, Jackson, Grant and many other 
great and good men fought beside them, and did not consider 
themselves dishonored. Thousands of our noble soldiers are 
fighting beside them' to-day with honor; and I strongly doubt 
whether the man who fails to respond to his country's call for 
fear of being dishonored by fighting beside the black man — 
for fear of being dishonored by seeing a patriotic black man 
offer up his life on the altar of liberty — will not be found want- 
ing in the day of trial, and fail to serve his country under any 
circumstances. 



62 On foreign relations referred to, see Rhodes, United States, Iv, 
p. 337 ff.— Ed. 

[236] 



i865] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

But in examining this question, ought we not to look farther 
than to the policy of the moment ? Ought we not to look to the 
future, and, if possible, so guide our action as to leave our 
countr}^ at the close of this war in a condition to enjoy perma- 
ment peace ? And is not this measure calculated, by removing 
this exciting question of slavery, to bring about this result ; and 
do we not owe it to posterity, the opportunity being now clearly 
presented, by the act of those who have claimed the right to 
hold slaves, to remove this great curse from the land, and thus 
take off a great load which must othenvise fall upon the necks 
of our posterity? This right to hold slaves as a moral ques- 
tion, it is unnecessary at this day and age of the world to ex- 
amine. That slavery is a great moral wrong, has long since 
been well established. Few will be found who have now the 
hardihood to attempt to defend it. And the fact that there 
are any, is strong evidence of the corrupting and demoralizing 
influence of the barbarous and inhuman practice. All good 
men have long deplored the existence of it. John Wesley de- 
nounced it as "the sum of all villainies." Said Washington: 
"there is no man living who wishes more sincerely than I do, 
to see a plan adopted for the abolition of it." Madison thought 
it wrong to admit in the Constitution, the idea that there could 
be property in man. Said John Adams: "Slavery is a crime 
much blacker than any African's face." Jefferson and Frank- 
lin also deplored the existence of it. Said La Fayette: "I 
would never have drawn my sword in the cause of America, 
€ould I have conceived that thereby I was founding a land of 
slavery." "Admitting it to be wrong for man to enslave his 
fellow man," says one. "it does not concern us at the North. 
The master and his slave are alone affected thereby." In 
answer to this it is only necessary to point to the present re- 
bellion. Is not the whole nation, nay, the whole world con- 
vulsed and affected by it? But were the assertion true, is it 
not the duty of man to help his fellow man? "Help those that 
need help," is the Divine injunction. Says another, "It is a 
domestic institution, and States within their borders like pri- 

[ 237 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1S65- 

vate individuals within their domicils, are protected." 'Tis true 
they are protected in proper acts; but no individual has the 
right, in his own domicil, to take away the right of his neigh- 
bor. No individual has a right in his own domicil, to establish 
a nuisance that will send out a poisonous effluvia, that will 
sicken and destroy the community around ; and should he do 
so, law and justice would demand that the nuisance should be 
abated. But "the constitution protects slavery," says another. 
The constitution if it protects it anywhere, which at least 
admits of doubt, certainly does not protect it where this procla- 
mation reaches; and if it does protect it elsewhere, it ought to 
be amended so that it should no longer protect so great a wrong. 
I have already discussed this question much further than I in- 
tended, and I fear further than I should have done at this time. 
I will only add that in my judgment the President in this 
measure, has not overstepped the bounds of the constitution or 
good polic.v, and should be sustained and supported by every 
lover of his country of whatever party or sect. All good and 
true men must say he is right. The people in their late elec- 
tions have passed their solemn judgment upon his acts, and 
have declared in a manner not to be misunderstood, that he is 
right. Let us, then, with a firm hand, stand by the right, re- 
membering that God blesses those v.^ho deserve his blessing. Let 
us be earnest, pure and worthy, for pure men, worthy men, earn- 
est men, -working, patriotic, Godly men are what our country needs 
in these times, and what she must have in the coiincil, and in the 
field, to insure success. We thank God we have many such in 
the field and State, and to them our country looks. From them 
she expects help, and she will not be disappointed in her ex- 
pectations. God is working through such means to-day to save 
and purify the nation. The foundations of our Government 
are being laid upon a firmer basis, and she will yet rise higher 
and higher in the temple of fame. The pangs she is now 
suffering are not the pangs of dissolution, but the pangs of a 
new birth, and she will soon emerge into a higher, more beau- 
tiful, more virtuous, and more glorious life. 

[238] 



i865] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

Amid the gloom Avhich has surrounded the nation, our noble 
State has never faltered. She has always and promptly re- 
sponded to the call of the General Government. There could 
be no mistaking the feelings of her people. Their votes and 
their gacrifices have declared that they stand by the Union. 
Their bullets and their ballots have always pointed in the 
same direction. Never was there a sublimer spectacle than 
was exhibited on the eighth day of November last, when our 
people, who had so largely sacrificed in human life and in 
property, marched to the ballot-box, and solemnly declared 
by their votes, that they were willing to still further sacrifice, 
if need be, for justice and the right.^^ 

Wisconsin loves the Union, resents its wrongs, and seeks 
to parry every blow that is aimed at its life, let it come from 
whatever source it may. She is alike unwilling that old rock- 
bound New England should be "left out in the cold", or that 
the Sunny South should tear herself from its embrace. She 
has shown that when the cry of rebellion is heard, she adopts 
no timid, no vacillating course, but strikes boldly for the Union. 
In this great struggle she has thus far done her whole duty; 
she has nobly responded to the calls of the General Govern- 
ment for men and money; as she has sacrificed and borne the 
burdens, so may she share the glory of aiding to save and 
purify this government, and make happy its people. And 
now, gentlemen, may the blessing of our Heavenly Father at- 
tend you ; may your acts prove salutary, and may your indus- 
try, economy and patriotism, win for you the welcome com- 
mendation, ''well done, good and faithful servants." 

James T. Lewis. 

January 12, 1865. 



83 The home vote in Wisconsin was close — Union 68,887, Democrat 
65,598. Wisconsin soldiers, however, went overwhelmingly for Lin- 
coln, the vote being 11,372 to 2,428. The Union majority throughout 
the nation was about 40Q,000. — Ed. 



239] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 



THIRTEENTH AMENDI^IENT 

Executive Department, 

Madison, Feb. 7th, 1865. 

To the Ronorahle the Legislature of the State of Wisconsin: 
Article V of the Constitution of the United States provides 

I have the honor herewith to lay before you a copy of a 
joint resolution of Congress, approved Feb. 1st, 1865, passed 
pursuant to said article V, proposing to the Legislatures of 
the several States, an amendment to the Constitution of the 
United States, to be designated as article thirteen of said Con- 
stitution, and to request your decision on said proposed amend- 
ment.^* 

Seldom has there been presented to any legislative body a 
more important question, or one in which the people of the 
United States feel a deeper interest, than is presented by this 
resolution. 

Though the last few months have been crowded with im- 
portant events, important victories, causing the people to 
shout for joy, yet the announcement of no event, has sent a 
deeper thrill of joy to loyal hearts than will the announce- 
ment of the adoption of this amendment. 

Upon its adoption hangs the destiny of nearly four millions 
of human beings and it may be the destiny of the nation. I 
trust, and doubt not, the Legislature of Wisconsin will record 
its decision firmly, and I hope unanimously in favor of the 



64 Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had no constitutional author- 
ity. It was intended only as a war measure, and as an announcement 
of future policy. The function of the Thirteenth Amendment to the 
Federal Constitution was to legalize the Proclamation, and extend its 
operation over the loyal as well as; the seceded states. — Ed. 



240 



i865] THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT 

amendment.*'^ Let us wipe from our escutcheon the foul blot 
of human slavery, and show by our action that we are worthy 
the name of freemen. 

May God in His providence grant that this contemplated 
amendment of the fundamental law of our land may be adopted 
by everj^ state in our Union, that it may nerve the arms of 
our patriotic soldiers to strike still harder blows for liberty, 
and that it may redound to the glory of our beloved country. 
James T. Lewis, Governor of Wisconsin. 



THE SICK AND WOUNDED 

Executive Depaetment, 

Madison, Feb. 14th, 1865. 

To the Honorahle the Senate: 

I have the honor to lay before your honorable body, a com- 
munication, with accompanying circular, from Eben Swift, 
Surgeon U. S. A. and Medical Director of the Department of 
the North-west, relative to the establishment of permanent hos- 
pitals or retreats, to become the homes of disabled soldiers, 
which I am desired to present for your consideration.®' 

The subject is one which commends itself to the sympathy 
of every loyal heart, and the suggestions made in reference 
thereto are eminently practical. I therefore trust that you 
will take such action in the premises as in your judgment may 
be deemed appropriate and necessary.®'' 

James T. Levstis. 



65 The vote in the Assembly was 72 to 16 in favor of adoption; in 
the Senate, 24 to 5.— ED. 

66 See Wis. Sen. Jour., 1865, pp. 210, 211.— En. 

67 No action appears to have been taken, relative to this communica- 
tion. — Ed. 



16 [ '^41 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

Executive Office, 
Madison, February 28th, 1865. 

To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of Wisconsin : 

By chapter 354 of the General Laws of 1864, the sum of ten 
thousand dollars was appropriated and set apart "to be paid 
out upon the order of the Governor of the State, for the liquida- 
tion of all such claims as shall hereafter accrue by the author- 
ity of the Governor, in the necessary care of the sick and 
wounded soldiers of Wisconsin, and for carrying such sick and 
wounded into this State, when the same shall be proper and 
necessary." By section three of said chapter, it is provided 
that the Governor shall "make out and report to the Legisla- 
ture, at its next session, the amounts so expended by him, and 
fully in what manner such money has been expended." I 
have the honor to submit the annexed detailed statement of ex- 
penditures under said chapter, vouchers for which are on file 
in this office, showing amounts expended, by whom and at 
what time. As to the manner of its expenditure, I have the 
honor to state, that seeing no more practical method of meet- 
ing the wants of the class of persons intended to be benefitted 
by the appropriation, than by the appointment of agents whose 
duty it should be to visit and care for them, I selected a num- 
ber of agents, giving to each certain territory, with directions 
to visit the fields and hospitals within prescribed limits, and 
to do all within their power f^ alleviate suffering and aid the 
sick and wounded. 

Section two of the chapter above alluded to, provides that 
"the Governor is hereby authorized to draw his order or orders 
upon the State Treasurer for so much money, not exceeding the 
sum of ten thousand dollars in all, as shall be actually neces- 
sary, &c." 

By this provision it will be seen that I could in no event 
draw more than ten thousand dollars. I was under the neces- 
sity, therefore, of limiting the number of agents, and the 
amount to be expended by each, so as not to use in all beyond 
this sum. The number of agents at present employed is five, 

[242] 



i865] THE SICK AND WOUNDED 

as follows: Mrs. C. A. P. Harvey, Geo. W. Sturges, E. L, 
Jones, W. Y. Selleck and D. Ostrander. Others have been 
employed during the year for short periods of time as neces- 
sity seemed to demand, whose names also appear in the state- 
ment hereto annexed. Mrs. C. A. P. Harvey has charge of 
hospitals from Memphis to New Orleans. Geo. W. Sturges. 
has charge of hospitals at St. Louis, Padueah, Mound City, 
Keokuk and Cairo. E. L. Jones has charge of hospitals at 
Nashville, Louisville and Chattanooga. W. Y. Selleck had^ 
until recently, exclusive charge cf hospitals at Washington^ 
Alexandria, Philadelphia, York (Pa.), Baltimore and Annapolis;. 
hut the armies having been largely increased in the vicinity 
of Washington, I deemed it necessary to appoint another agent^ 
and have therefore appointed D. Ostrander to assist Mr. Sel- 
leek in that department. As will be seen by the annexed state- 
m.ent the amount remaining for which I am authorized to draw 
is small ; probably little if any more than sufficient to pay the 
claims already outstanding. I would therefore suggest that 
in ease it is thought best to continue the employment of these 
agents, further appropriation be made soon, as I shall be under 
the necessity of discharging them within a short time unless: 
further means are placed at my disposal to pay their ex- 
penses and furnish them with means to carry on their work.'*' 
I Avould further state that owing to the increased expenses of 
living and traveling, it will probably be necessary to increase 
the pay of these agents in order to secure their services in the 
future. The necessity of making larger appropriations for the 
future than have been made in the past, even though no larger 
force is employed, will therefore be apparent. We owe it "to 
our soldiers to use all proper means to care for them and their 
families. Thus far no state has more fully performed its duty 
in this respect than has Wisconsin. The thousands of dollars- 



<58 The Legislature appropriated $15,000 for the care of sick an*' 
wounded soldiers; see Wis. Gen. Laics, 1865, chap. 465. — Ed. 

[ 243 ] 



• ' GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

that are daily paid from the treasury to aid tiiem are sufficient 
evidence of the truth of this statement. 

That the sanitary agents have been of great service in car- 
ing for the sick and wounded soldiers from Wisconsin, there 
can be no doubt. The reports of these agents, published from 
time to time in the public prints, are also of great service to 
the whole people of the State, affording them information con- 
cerning the condition and fate of their friends in field and 
hospital which it would be difficult for them otherwise to ob- 
tain. I should therefore deem it unwise to dispense with the 
services of these agents at the present time. 

Of the agents at present employed, I will only remark, that 
they have proved themselves worthy. So efficient and self- 
sacrificing have they been — so well have they performed their 
duties to the soldiers and the State, that I should regret very 
much to lose their services. 

Owing to present duties in my office I have been able to 
visit but few of the hospitals during the past year, but intend 
as soon as possible after the adjournment of the Legislature 
to visit all hospitals where Wisconsin soldiers are to be found, 
with a view of procuring, as far as possible, the discharge of 
such soldiers as can be of no further service to the Government, 
and desire to be discharged, the transfer to our own State 
of those who can be benefitted by such transfers, and of ren- 
dering such other service to the sick and wounded as may be 
within my power. 

James T. Lewis. 



Proclamation 

The people of Wisconsin are second to none in patriotism 
or benevolence. No appeal for aid, in any good cause, has ever 
been made to them in vain. Knowing this fact, I feel that it 
is only necessary to call their attention to a good work, to in- 
sure a proper response. 

[244] 



i865] THE SICK AND WOUNDED 

The man}' sick aud wounded soldiers returning from the field 
of battle, where thej' have been disabled while fighting in de- 
fense of the nation, and rendered incapable of providing them- 
selves a comfortable subsistence, call loudly for our sympathy 
and help. They need and deserve a comfortable home and 
place of rest. 

With a view of providing such a home, the Legislature of this 
State, at its last session, incorporated a benevolent institution 
to be known as the Soldiers' Home located at Milwaukee, and 
appropriated the sum of five thousand dollars, to aid in its 
support.*'^ Further means are necessary to carry on this good 
work. To supply them it is proposed to hold a State Fair at 
Milwaukee, commencing on the 28th day of June next, at which 
all who desire, may have an opportunity of contributing some- 
thing to aid the wounded soldier. 

I would recommend this enterprise to the people as worthy 
their aid and support, and trust they will by their attendance, 
and by .contributing liberally of their means which have been 
protected by the soldier, make the Fair a success, and thus 
add to the- ? Mier's comfort. 

In test iv whereof T have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the Ureat Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. 
Done at the Capitol, in the city of Madison, this 19th day of 
April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
sixty-five. 

James T. Lewis. 



GETTYSBURG CEMETERY 

Executive Department, 

Madison, March 3, 1865. 
To the HonoraMe the Legislature: 

I have the honor to lay before you herewith the Report of 
W. Y. Selleck, Esq., Commissioner for the State of Wiscon- 



See Wis. Private Laws, 1865, chap. 16. — Ed. 

[245] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

sin, in the matter of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, at Gettys- 
burg, Pa., with accompanying documents and lithograph de- 
sign of monument. ^"^ 

Kespectfully Your Ob'dt Serv't, 

James T. Lewis, Gov. of Wisconsin. 



STEALING RECRUITS 

Executive Department, 

Madison, March 15, 1865. 
To the Honorable the Assembly: 

I am informed that efforts are being made by non-residents, 
and in some instances by our own citizens, to induce residents 
of Wisconsin to leave this state for the purpose of being en- 
listed in, and credited to, other states, thus depriving this 
state of credits justly its due. 

I would therefore reconmiend the passage of a law making 
it a penal offense to induce residents of Wisconsin, by offers 
of money or other means, to credit themselves to other states.''^ 
Very Respectfully, Your Obd't Servant, 

James T. Lewis, Governor of Wisconsin. 



70 The report contained a request for $2,623 as Wisconsin's share in 
"the cosl of completing the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettysburg. 
A bill appropriating the desired amount was introduced in the Assem- 
"bly, but failed to pass. In 1867 the matter was again brought up, and 
the appropriation then made. — Ed. 

71 A bill embodying the Governor's recommendation was introduced 
In the Assembly on April 1, 1865. A week later Lee surrendered at 
Appomattox Court House, making further action unnecessary. — Ed. 



[246 



i865] VICTORY IN SIGHT 



THE SURRENDER OF LEE 

Executive Department, 

Madison, April 10, 1865. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

Four years ago on the day fixed for adjournment, the sad 
news of the fall of Fort Sumter was transmitted to the Legis- 
lature. To-day thank God, and next to Him the brave officers 
and soldiers of our army and navy, I am permitted to transmit 
to you the official intelligence, just received, of the surrender 
of General Lee and his army — the last prop of the rebellion. 
Let us rejoice and thank the Ruler of the Universe for victory 
and the prospect of an honorable peace. 

James T. Lewis. 



[247] 



GOVERNOR LEV/IS [1865- 

1865. In Legislative Recess 

PEACE PROCLAIMED 

Two days after the adjournment of the Legislature, the Gov- 
ernor issued the following: 

Proclamation 
"The Lord reignefh, let the Earth rejoice." 

The God of battles has again crowned our arms with victory. 
Under His guidance our brave soldiers are "marching on" 
from conquest to conquest. 

Richmond has fallen! The rebel army that held it in de- 
fiance of national authority, has been destroyed. The national 
honor has been vindicated, and peace and a restored Union, 
with all their countless blessings, are smiling through the clouds 
which have for the past four years surrounded us. 

Never before had a people such reason for rejoicing, such 
grand results to inspire them. 

For all these blessings our thanks and praises are due to our 
Heavenly Father. "We should with grateful hearts recognize 
the power, wisdom and goodness of Him who gave us the vic- 
tory, and bow in humble submission to his will. 

Our officers, soldiers and sailors should receive, as they jr 'iy 
deserve, the welcome plaudits of a grateful people, and their 
patriotic mothers, wives and fathers who have so nobly sacri- 
ficed in the cause of their country, should be remembered. 

It is therefore recommended that THURSDAY the 20th day 
of the present month, be observed by the people of this State, 
as a day of thanksgiving, prayer and praise to Almighty God, 
and of general rejoicing. 

Let religious services mark the day, and bonfires illuminate 

[248] 



i865] JOY AND SORROW 

the night; let the drums rattle, and the loud cannons [sic] 
roar, and let us by public speeches and all other proper demon- 
strations express the thankfulness and joy of our people at the 
triumph of our arms in the cause of justice and humanity. 

And in our praises and rejoicings, may we not forget "Father 
Abraham," who, in the goodness of his heart, to the down- 
trodden hath said: "The year of jubilee has come," and to 
the deluded followers of Lee and Davis; "Return ye ransomed 
sinners home." 

Given under my hand and the seal of the State, in the Execu- 
tive Chamber at Madison, this 12th day of April, in the year 
of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five, and of 
the Independence of the United States: the eighty-ninth. 

James T. Lewis. 



ASSASSINATION OF LINCOLN 
On April 17, 1865, the Governor issued the following: 

Proclamation 

It becomes my painful duty to announce to the people of 
this State the mournful and terrible intelligence of the death 
by assassination at Washington on the 15th instant, of Abraham 
Lincoln, late Chief Magistrate of the nation. 

No event could have plunged the nation into more profound 
sorrow. 

A great and good man has fallen a victim to the wickedest 
rebellion the world has ever seen. The friend of the poor, the 
down-trodden and the lowly, the pride of the nation is no more. 

As a statesman his power was felt and acknowledged. His 
patriotism was unquestioned. His goodness of heart was pro- 
verbial. Because he was kind and good and loved his fellow 
men, because the people loved and delighted to honor him, hath 
the wicked slain him. Oh, Justice, why didst thou sleep ! 

[249] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

May this sad event, this terrible wrong, this great crime, 
arouse the nation to a true sense of the wickedness of those 
men who are seeking its destruction; arouse every true lover of 
his country to do or die for the Republic. Have we great and 
good men, look to see them die by the assassin's knife. Have 
we the poor and feeble, look to see them made the slaves of 
wicked and inhuman masters, or prepare to defend and main- 
tain the Union and assert the power and authority of the 
Crovernment. In behalf of this State, I do hereby tender to 
the bereaved family, the heartfelt sympathy of its people. 

And I do recommend, as a mark of respect to the deceased, 
that for one hundred days from this date, all public offices, 
court houses and other public buildings be clad in mourning, 
and that during that time the people of this State wear the 
usual badges of mourning ; and in view of this sad and unfore- 
seen event, I do hereby modify and change my Proclamation of 
the 12th instant, and recommend that Wedoiesduy, the 19th 
instant, be observed as a day of Fasting and Prayer, and in 
commemorating, by suitable ceremonies and demonstrations, the 
memory of our late Chief Magistrate. 

It is ordered that appropriate military honors be paid to the 
memory of the deceased. 

In testimony w^hereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. 

Done at the Capitol, in the city of Madison, this 17th day of 
April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
sixty-five. 

James T. Lewis. 



[250] 



J865] gratitude TO THE TROOPS 

THANKING THE VOLUNTEERS 

On September 2, 1865, the Governor issued the following: 

Proclamation 

An all-v,-ise Creator has permitted us to triumph over treason. 

As the smoke of battle clears away, and we behold the great 
work which has been accomplished by the Army of the Union; 
when we consider that it has stood as our bulwark in the dark- 
est hours of the Republic, and when we remember that Wis- 
consin's sons formed a part of this great Army, and view the 
honorable and important position taken by them in it — the rec- 
ord they have made, our hearts swell with pride, and we feel 
that the gratitude and thanks of our people are due and should 
be tendered to the noble men who have taken part in this, the 
greatest struggle the world has ever known; a struggle involv- 
ing not alone the interests of this Nation, but the interests of 
all mankind; a struggle every day of which w^as crowded with 
momentous events. 

For the bravery which has distinguished Wisconsin soldiers 
in every battle in which they have been engaged, for the pa- 
triotism displayed by them on all occasions; for the gallantry 
with which they have borne the Stars and Stripes and the 
noble manner in which they have sustained the honor of the 
State and Nation, I, James T. Lewis, Governor of the State of 
Wisconsin, do therefore in behalf of the State, hereby tender to 
all Wisconsin Officers and soldiers of every grade, the heartfelt 
thanks and gratitude of its people. And while we remember 
with gratitude the living, we will not forget the heroic dead. 
Their memories will be honored and cherished by our people. 
Their fame survives — they will live in the hearts of their coun- 
trrv^men. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name 
and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsiji to be 

[251] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

affixed. Done at Madison, this 2d day of September, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five. 

James T. Lewis. 



THANKSGIVING DAY 

On October 28, 1865, the Governor published the following i 

Proclamation 

Peace again smiles upon us. The work of death has ceased. 
The authority of the Government has been fully established, and 
traitors who once defied it now bow in humble submission. The 
accursed institution of African slavery has perished. The 
Union established by our -fathers, cemented anew by the blood 
of their patriot sons sends forth a brighter and a purer light 
to the oppressed of other lands. The people of our State have 
enjoj^ed the blessings of health and prosperity, and the privi- 
leges of education and Divine worship. Our territory has not 
been polluted by the tread of the invader. Our substance has 
been preserved. 

For those, and the many other favors and blessings which our 
Heavenly Father in His goodness has vouchsafed to us, in pro- 
viding for our wants and guarding us from danger, we should 
thank and praise Him. While we enjoy the gift let us not 
forget the giver. 

Feeling that we should express our gratitude and thankful- 
ness for all these favors and blessings, I, James T. Lewis, Gov- 
ernor of the State of Wisconsin, in accordance with a time- 
honored custom, do hereby appoint Thursday, the thirtieth day 
of November A. D. 1865, a day of thanksgiving, prayer and 
praise to Almighty God; and do recommend to the people that 
they meet on that day in their usual places of worship, and 

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow," 

[252] 



i865] THANKSGIVING 

thank Him for His goodness toward us during the year that 
has passed, and ask for the continuance of His favors and bless- 
ings. 

Given under my hand and the Seal of the State in the Execu- 
tive Chamber at Madison, this 28th Day of October, in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five. 

James T. Lewis. 



But on November 15 he issued the following supplementary 
proclamation, changing the day of Thanksgiving: 

Proclamation 

Whereas, Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, 
has issued his Proclamation designating the first Thursday of 
December next as a day of National Thanksgiving, and 

Whereas, It is desirable that the same day may be observed 
throughout the State and Nation: 

Now, therefore, I, James T. Lewis, Governor of the State of 
Wisconsin, do hereby modify and change my Proclamation of 
the 28th ultimo, appointing Thursday the 30th instant, as a 
day of Thanksgiving, and do appoint the first Thursday of 
December next as a day of Thanksgiving and prayer. 

Given under my hand and the Seal of the State in the Execu- 
tive Chamber at Madison, this 15th day of November, in the 
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five. 

James T. Lewis. 



NEGRO SUFFRAGE IN WISCONSIN 

[Entry in Executive Register:] Dec. 19, 1865. On this day 
the Governor issued the following Proclamation announcing 
the result of the canvass of returns of votes given at the General 
election held on the 7th day of November A, D. 1865, on the 

[ 253 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1865- 

question of extension of suifrage to male persons of African 
blood who shall have attained the age of twenty-one years. 

James T. Lewis. 



State of Wisconsin, 

Executive Depabtment. 
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 6, of Chapter 414, of 
the General Laws of the State of Wisconsin for the year 1865^ 
I, James T. Lewis, Governor of said State, do hereby announce 
and proclaim to the people thereof, the following as the result 
of the canvass of the returns of votes given at the General Elec- 
tion held in Said State of Wisconsin and by the several detach- 
ments, companies and regiments of soldiers, citizens of said 
State of Wisconsin in the military service of the United States, 
on the 7th day of November, A. D. 1865, on the question of the 
extension of suffrage to male persons of African blood, who 
shall have attained the age of twenty-one years, as appears by 
the certificate of the State Board of Canvassers.'^^ 

Whole number of votes cast 102 , 179 

"For extension of suffrage. No" 55 , 591 

"For extension of suffrage" 46 , 588 

Majority against extension of suffrage 9 , 003 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name 
and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be 
affixed. Done at Madison, this 19th day of December, A. D. 
1865. 

James T. Lewis. 



See post, p. 284, note 84.— Ed. 



[ 254 ] 



i866] MONEYS EXPENDED 

LEWIS'S CONTINGENT FUND 

Madison, January 1, 1866. 
To the Hon. Speaker of Assertihly: 

SiK : — The act providing for a military contingent fund, and 
appropriating money therefor, makes it my duty to report to 
the legislature the amount of money expended therefrom during 
the last year. I have the honor to report through you to the 
legislature, that I saw no necessity for the use of said fund, 
and have made no draft upon it. The money appropriated 
for said fund, except so far as the same had been expended by 
my predecessors, remains in the state treasury. The amount in 
the treasury belonging to said fund, as appears by the report 
of Governor Salomon, is $3,609.70. 

I have the honor, further, to state that the usual appropri- 
ation of five thousand dollars to the governor, as a general 
contingent fund, was, at my request, omitted at the last session 
of the legislature, the amount remaining in said fund from the 
appropriation of the previous year, being ample, in my judg- 
ment, to supply all necessary drafts upon it. 

The amount appropriated to said fund two years ago was.. $5,000 00 
Amount refunded thereto 5 46 

$5,005 46 
Amount drawn from said fund during the year 

1864 $1 , 317 74 

Amount drawn from said fund during the year 

1865 1,033 26 

Whole amount expended during the two years above 

named 2,351 00 

Amount still remaining in the state treasury belonging to 

said fund $2,654 46 

[ 255 ] 



GOVERNOR LEWIS [1866- 

I would further state that soon after the last appropriation 
for the care of sick and wounded Wisconsin soldiers, was placed 
at my disposal, I visited "Washington and most of the hospital* 
where Wisconsin soldiers were to be found, and secured the 
discharge or transfer to our own state of nearly all the sick and 
wounded belonging to Wisconsin regiments. By these dis- 
charges and trans:fers the lives of many were saved, and a large 
amount of m'oney was saved to the soldiers' relief fund, which 
it would otherwise have been necessary to use in their care. 
This fact, together with the closing of the war, and consequent 
discharge of troops at an earlier day than was anticipated at 
the time the appropriation to the fund last above named was 
made, rendered it necessary to use but a small portion of the 
money thus appropriated. 

The whole amount expended from the soldiers' relief fund 
since my last report to the legislature, is ^,966 91 

Amount belonging to said fund unexpended and still re- 
maining in the state treasury 22,050 84 

Whole amount of these funds unexpended and now in state 
treasury 28,315 00 



Vouchers for all expenditures from said funds with a full 
detailed statement of each item will be found in the executive 
office. All of which is respectfully submitted. 

James T. Lewis. 



[256] 




Governor Lucius Fairchild 

From a photograph in possession of the Wisconsin Historical Society 



1866-/2] SKETCH OF GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD 



1 866-1 872. Lucius Fairchild 

Biographical Sketch 

Lucius Fairchild, tenth Governor of Wisconsin, was bom at 
Franklin Mills, now Kent, Portage County, Ohio, on December 
27, 1831, the son of Jairus Cassius Fairchild, a native of New 
York, and Sally (Blair) Fairchild, a native of Massachusetts, 
of Scotch-Irish descent. In 1834 the family moved to Cleve- 
land, Ohio, and in 1846 to Madison, Wisconsin. Lucius 's edu- 
cation was obtained in the schools at Cleveland, at Twinsburg 
Academy in Ohio, and at Prairieville Academy in Wisconsin. 
In 1849 he went overland to California and remained there 
until 1855, when he returned to Madison. He was elected clerk 
of the circuit court for Dane County in 1858. While holding 
that office he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1860. 

A military company named Governor's Guard was organized 
in Madison in 1858. Fairchild was a member, and in 1861 its 
first-lieutenant. This was the first company to volunteer under 
the President's call for three months' men, and became com- 
pany K, First Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers. Lieutenant 
Fairchild had enlisted as a private, but was made captain of 
the company. The regiment was sent to Virginia and took 
part in the skirmish at Falling Waters, the first engagement of 
the war in which Wisconsin troops were concerned. 

The President on August 5, 1861, appointed Captain Fair- 
child to a similar position in the Sixteenth Regular Infantry, 
and four days later he was appointed by Governor Randall as 
major of the Second Wisconsin Volunteers (three years' men). 
He was the first officer of the regular army to receive leave of 
absence to serve with volunteer troops. On August 20 he was 
promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and ten days later, after 

17 [ 257 ] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 

Colonel O'Connor's mortal wound at the battle of Gainesville, 
Fairehild was advanced to the colonelcy of the regiment. 

The Second was part of the famous "Iron Brigade." Its 
new colonel led it in the campaigns and engagements of the 
Army of the Potomac until the battle of Gettysburg. Here he 
lost his left arm, and was captured ; but being too weak to be 
moved, he was released after two daj's' imprisonment. On 
October 20 he was made a brigadier-general of volunteers. 

Before the war. General Fairehild was a Democrat, but had 
now become identified with the Republican party. While at 
home recovering from his wound, he was, much to his surprise, 
nominated for secretary of state by the Union-Republican con- 
vention, lie was reluctant to give up his military career, but 
accepted the nomination and resigned his commission in the 
belief that he could in his disabled condition be- of most serv- 
ice to the nation and the State in a civil capacity. He was 
elected in November, and served from January 4, 1864, to Jan- 
nary 1, 1866. In April, 1864, he married JMiss Frances Bull 
of Washington. 

In the autumn election of 1865 Fairehild was elected gov- 
ernor, being re-elected in 1867 and 1869. In 1872 he was ap- 
pointed United States consul at Liverpool, and in 1878 was 
promoted to be consul-general at Paris. He was sent to IMadrid 
in March, 1880, to succeed James Russell Lowell as minister 
plenipotentiary, and remained at that embassy until December, 
1881. His return to America was induced by his desire to com- 
plete the education of his children in the United States. 

Governor Fairehild was honored with various offices by the 
Grand Army of the Republic : in 1869 he was elected its senior 
vice commander-in-chief, and in 1886 commander of the Wis- 
consin department. At the National Encampment of the last- 
named 3^ear he was chosen commander-in-chief of the order. 
In the Military Order of the Loyal Legion he was commander 
of the Wisconsin commandery from May, 1884 to May, 1887, 
and was elected commander-in-chief of the entire order in Oct- 
ober, 1893. 

[258] 



18/2] BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

He was ever an active friend of the State University, long 
served as an officer of the State Historical Society, and was un- 
ceasing in his efforts to secure for the Society a suitable li- 
brary building. His valuable public services, official and un- 
official, cannot all be enumerated within the limits of this neces- 
sarily brief sketch. He died May 23, 1896. 



[259] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1^66- 



1866. Inaugural Ceremonies 

On January 1, 1866, Governor Fairchild and his fellow State 
officers were inaugurated in the Assembly Chamber. On thia 
occasion, retiring-Governor Lewis delivered a 

FAREWELL ADDRESS 

in which he made the following allusion to the war: 

It is a source of great satisfaction to me, * * * to know 
that all our public institutions and interests are in good condi- 
tion, and that our State credit has not been impaired, notwith- 
standing the large amounts of money it has been necessary to 
raise and expend during the last four years. Never, during 
that time, have Wisconsin bonds been sold by the State for less 
than par; and no State has done its duty to the General Gov- 
ernment more fully or promptly, or made a prouder record in 
the late war, than has Wisconsin. She sent forth noble men, 
and nobly did they do their duty. They fought in nearly every 
action and none fought better, none were more patriotic, none 
made greater sacrifices. The presence of over ninety thousand of 
her bravest sons in the Union lines at the post of danger, 
evinced her patriotism. The new-made graves of about eleven 
thousand of her best citizens, who have fallen on the field of 
battle, attest her sacrifices. May Wisconsin remember her 
heroic soldiers! 

It is the part of wisdom to profit by the lessons of the past. 
The last four years have been so crowded with important events 
that it would be difficult to enumerate them all ; yet, as the war 
has just closed, at this important epoch, as we are turning from 
the scenes of war and strife to the duties of peace, while we 
stand in a position to view the horrors of the one and the bless- 
ings of the other, it may be well to refer to a few of the les- 
sons those events have taught us. I trust you will not think 

[260] 



i866] lewis's farewell 

me out of place in so doing; and first, I remark, they have 
taught us that we should be watchful of our rights and inter- 
ests, and prevent evils if possible, or correct them while they 
are easily controlled. That it is much better for a people to 
be watchful of their rights and interests, and avoid evils, or 
correct them by mild and moderate means on the first appearance 
of wrong — the first departure from the right road — than it is 
to allow them to accumulate until some great upheaval occurs, 
which, while it corrects prominent evils, carries death and de- 
struction in its course and causes great sacrifices which might, 
by proper forethought, have been avoided. An evil had long 
existed in our midst, which was allowed to fester, until, in por- 
tions of our Union, it corrupted the very fountain of social life, 
resulting in ignorance, degradation, want and crime, finally cul- 
minating in the great crime of rebellion. Force had to be met 
with force. "War was the result, with all its evils and sacrifices. 
They have taught us there is a power that will eventually en- 
force the right; that although justice may be delayed, sooner or 
later it will be heard ; that the great natural rights of man can- 
not be disregarded with impunity; that slavery was a great 
wrong; that our arms were weak when we attempted to defend 
it, but strong when we undertook to strike off its chains. They 
have taught us that we should rely more upon the justness of 
our cause and less upon our own strength, if we would succeed. 
That while man defends the wrong, God defends the right, and 
who can doubt as to the result? that we should rely more upon 
God and less upon man. Even when in the right, man often 
fails us, God, never. In the late rebellion where none, it would 
seem, could mistake the road, many have straggled. Many have 
fallen out by the way-side, many have fainted. See France and 
England, away from the excitement of the hour, calmly and in 
their sober moments, with all their boasted philanthropy, 
acknowledging the right, yet pursuing the wrong; guided by 
their selfishness rather than by their sense of justice. Yet with 
all the faltering and opposition of men, with all the powers of 
France and England and Hell combined, the shackles of the 

[261 1 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 

slave have fallen and the Union is saved. God had decreed that 
it should be so. God had said to the black man, ''the year of 
jubilee has come," and the more men and governments opposed 
the more certain were they, like Pharaoh's host, to be engulfed 
beneath the waves. They have taught us that we should, with 
great caution, take back to our bosoms the viper that has stung 
us near unto death. 

The people of the Southern States have done us a great wrong. 
They disregarded the best interests of our country by making 
war upon the Government, and undertaking to enslave its 
people. They seized our forts and arsenals, violated solemn 
oaths, disregarded compromises, with fire and sword, by assump- 
tion and bullying in the very Capitol of the nation, sought to 
accomplish our destruction. 

They have been arrested in their mad career and now ask to 
be reinstated with all their former privileges. It may be for 
the purpose of re-enacting the bloody scenes of the past. Of 
this we know not. 

Wliile I would not now, after all their base acts, advise 
harshness towards them, neither would I too suddenly and too 
lovingly embrace them. There is a blackness which effects evil, 
which lies not like the African's skin on the surface, but way 
down deep in the heart, that rankles there, and as an oppor- 
tunity offers stings even its benefactor. The lessons of the past 
would teach us to pause, give their passions time to cool. Let 
our course toward them be dictated by reason and good sound 
judgment, not by sickly, ill-advised lenity, neither by revenge 
or overheated, passionate severity. Give the proper tribunals 
time to ascertain the full measure of their guilt, and then let 
justice tempered by mercy take its course. They have, as 1 
'before remarked, done us a great wrong Let them frankly 
acknowledge that wrong and do right. Let them bring forth 
fruits meet for repentance. Let them show by their works that 
they do not desire to return to us again to destroy; that they 
love and have faith in republican institutions; have faith that 
Tman is capable of self-government ; that they abhor wrong and 

[262] 



^^^] INAUGURAL 

oppression and love right and justice, and are willing to join 
us in the great work of removing the burdens from those that 
are heavy laden — ^raising up the down trodden, the poor and 
the afflicted. Show by their acts that their new found faith has 
really made them whole. 



After taking the oath of office, Governor Fairchild's 

INAUGURAL ADDRESS 

was delivered as follows: 

Fellow Citizens: 

In entering upon the discharge of the duties of the high office 
to which I have been so recently elected by the people, I fully 
appreciate its responsibilities, and in the discharge of its duties 
I shall earnestly endeavor to execute faithfully the trust com- 
mitted to my care, to honestly enforce the laws of the State, to 
carefully exercise the closest economy, consistent with the pub- 
lic good, in the expenditure of public money. 

IMore important duties and graver responsibilities, have de- 
volved upon my immediate predecessors than will ever again fall 
to the lot of the Executive of this State. 

To the people it will ever be a source of proud satisfaction, 
that during the trials and dangers of civil strife, their chief 
magistrates have, by their energy, ability and experience, so 
managed the affairs of the commonwealth, as not only to reflect 
credit upon themselves, but to place the State they have so ably 
represented among the foremost of its sister states in rallying 
its forces to the defense of the Republic. 

With the return of peace much of the responsibility and care 
has passed away. The marshaling of armed forces is already 
a thing of the past. The great army of a million of men, the 
like of which the world had never seen, in a little more than 

[263] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [^866- 

half a year has dwindled into a comparative handful. The 
transition from the citizen to the soldier was not half so rapid, 
nor half so wonderful, as has been the transition from the 
soldier to the citizen. 

The citizen soldier has become the plain citizen, and as the 
former has never been wanting in the discharge of his military 
duties, so we know that the latter will ever be equal to the 
responsibilities and cares of civil life. 

The people of this State wall ever remember with pride that 
they have so nobly answered the calls of the general government 
for men. Over ninety thousand of Wisconsin sons have gone 
to the front, and whatever of danger union soldiers have risked, 
whatever privations they have endured, whatever honors they 
have won, the soldiers of this State have fully shared. 

As they were good citizens at home, so they have made good 
soldiers abroad ; and wherever the flag of the Union has gone, 
there have gone "Wisconsin regiments, carrying with them, and 
maintaining everywhere, a reputation for loyalty and bravery 
unsurpassed. 

Loving hands have ministered to the comfort of the sick and 
wounded, and loving hearts mourn the loss of over ten thousand 
of our brave boys, who have gone dov/n to death in defense of 
their country. 

With the close of civil war, however, all dangers have not 
been averted, nor have all responsibilities ceased. 

Great political problems still remain unsolved, and their solu- 
tion requires not only the exercise of the calmest judgment, and 
the keenest discrimination of our greatest and best public men, 
but also the earnest thought, the unw^earied effort, and the 
honest purpose, of all the intelligent citizens of the Kepublic. 

Two great and important questions have already been de- 
termined by the late war. The right of secession, so strenu- 
ously claimed by the people of the south, and so vigorously 
maintained by their arms for more than four years, has been 
forever decided against them, and from this judgment, obtained 

[264] 



^^^] INAUGURAL 

by the Union army at the point of the bayonet, there is no 
appeal. 

He who shall hereafter claim for any state the right to with- 
draw from the Union, either peaceably or forcibly, will be a 
bold bad man, unworthy of the high privileges bestowed upon 
him by the government, and undeserving of the protection of 
its laws. 

The national unity has been fully demonstrated, and th© 
national honor fully vindicated, by the armed power of the 
government, and those who sought to divide and destroy the 
country have been compelled to bow their heads before the 
majesty of the law, and on bended knees ask pardon for their 
crime. 

The verdict of the American people is, that any attempt to 
right a fancied or real grievance, by force of arms, is treason, 
and they ask, as they have the right to ask, that the highest 
judicial tribunal in the land shall give expression to that ver- 
dict, by a trial upon a charge of that high crime, in accordance 
with law, of the chief representative of the rebellion, the man 
who stood before the world as the acknowledged leader of the 
traitors. Not until Jefferson Davis shall have been tried, con- 
victed and hung for treason, and the fact that treason is a 
crime which cannot be committed with impunity, shall have 
thus been fully demonstrated, will the people be content. 

The slave holding interest of the country, and that alone, had 
the will and the power to attempt the disruption of the Union, 
and, as the doctrine of secession grew out of slavery, so the 
desire of the slaveholder to establish that doctrine, and his 
power to maintain it, came from the same source. 

The success of one, was the success of both — the failure of 
one, the failure of both. Slavery and treason died together; so 
that the American people, when they executed the judgment 
upon the alleged right of secession, also determined that this 
great republic could not and should not longer exist half slave 
and half free. 

The American people have decreed, and by force of arms 

[265] j 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 

liave demonstrated, that the Union is one and indivisible; that 
its people, of whatever race or color, shall be forever free. 

It now devolves upon us to see to it, that the freedom so 
established shall be something more than a mere name. It 
must be so broad and comprehensive as to include within its 
privileges and rights, all races and colors, and must be so 
guarded by, and hedged in with constitutional enactments, 
that no person, not even the highest in the land, can with im- 
punity trample upon the sacred natural rights of the humblest 
citizen, whatever may be that citizens' creed or color. 

Congress has already so amended the Constitution that 
slavery can no longer have an existence in the land. That 
amendment has been ratified by three-fourths of the sovereign 
states of the republic, and has now become a part of the Con- 
stitution itself. It is as enduring and as sacred as any part of 
that great charter of American rights; but something yet re- 
mains to be done to make it reach, with all its beneficial effects, 
the class for whom it was intended. 

Special enactments must be passed for the benefit of the 
freedman, to protect him against the oppressions of his late 
master. 

Wliatever he earns should be absolutely his own. His con- 
tracts should be as sacred in the eye of the law as those of the 
white m.an, and the means of enforcing them should be placed 
fully within his reach. He should be admitted upon the wit- 
ness stand, and in the jury box, and should be made to feel 
that he is no longer a chattel, but a man, invested with and pro- 
tected in all the rights of manhood. 

Freedom is no boon to him, unless he is protected in all his 
rights under it, and permitted and encouraged to pursue any 
and all avocations for which he is qualified. 

That he should at once be entrusted with the right of suffrage, 
is a matter of great doubt in the minds of many of his best 
friends. There are many who think that in any event some 
limit should be attached to the extension of that privilege. It 
cannot be expected that a slave population, whose shackles have 

[266] 



^^^] INAUGURAL 

been so recently stricken off, can at once intelligently exercise 
this sacred and important trust. But some there are among 
them from whom that great privilege should not be withheld. 

That man among them, who in the midst of the most abject 
bondage, and in spite of unfriendly legislation, has so far risen 
above his class and condition as to be able to read and write, 
cannot be wholly unfit to exercise the right of suffrage. 

Nor should those who voluntarily took up their muskets, and 
fought in the Union army for the perpetuity of republican in- 
stitutions, be held unworthy of the highest rights and dearest 
privileges of American citizenship. 

It is a matter of regret that the citizens of our own state 
should have again denied to the colored people in our midst the 
right of suffrage.'^® 

Time will yet modify their opinions, and this privilege will, 
sooner or later, be extended to that class. There can be no 
good reason why any man of intelligence, who is a good citizen, 
who pays taxes for the support of the government, is subject 
to military duty, and who yields a ready obedience to the laws 
should not be allowed an expression of his opinion at the ballot- 
box. 

If any restriction is to be placed upon that privilege, it 
should relate, not to the complexion of the voter, but to his in- 
telligence and capacity. 

I trust the day is not far distant when the suffrage laws of 
all the states wall be alike, and that they will be so broad and 
comprehensive in their provisions as to reach every man in the 
land who can read and write, and none others. In this land of 
schools and colleges no man need be disqualified under such a 
law, unless he chooses to be, and if he chooses to be, he will be 
entirely unfit to vote. 



73 The question of negro suffrage was submitted to the people of 
the State In 1865 by direction of Wis. Gen. Laws, 1865, chap. 414, and 
was decisively defeated by a vote of 54,307 to 46,248. See post, p. 284, 
note 84. — Ed. 

: [267] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 

In the reeonstniction of those states lately in rebellion, it 
seems both necessary and proper that ample evidence should 
be required upon their part that they are disposed to yield a 
ready and willing obedience to the Constitution and the laws. 

When the Southern people arrayed themselves in arms 
against the government they committed treason, and forfeited 
all their political nghts under the Constitution. Now that they 
ask to be re-invested with those rights, it is just and proper that 
the government, in granting them political power and privileges, 
should annex to the grant such conditions as are necessary to 
insure the future peace of the nation. 

Each state should at least be required to ratify the amend- 
ment to the Constitution of the United States abolishing slavery,, 
even though the ratification of the full number of states neces- 
sary to make it binding has already been obtained. 

Each state ought also to be required to ratify further amend- 
ments to the Constitution of the United States, forever prohib- 
iting the payment of debts contracted in support of the rebel- 
lion, affirming the sacredness of the national debt, forever bar- 
ring any right of action against persons in the United States 
army for acts done while in the line of duty, by order of their 
proper officers, during the late war; declaring all ordinances 
of secession, past and future, null and void; and apportioning 
representation in Congress upon the basis of the number of 
voters in each state. 

"With these conditions faithfully carried out, and with the 
necessary general congressional enactments for the full pro- 
tection of all Union men white or black, the people will be glad 
to again admit those states into full communion with the Union, 
and welcome them with open arms. 

The loyal people of the North will never be' satisfied unless 
these conditions, or others equivalent thereto, are insisted upon. 
Anything less will be mistaken leniency, and will endanger the 
perpetuity of the government. 

I do not desire, nor do I believe, that the citizens of any of 
the loyal states desire to humiliate the Southern people. They 

[268] 



i866] INAUGURAL 

were our brothers, they became our enemies, they are our 
brothers again. Their prosperity is ours, under the same flag 
we must live or die as a nation. We are all citizens of one 
common country, and must live together in brotherly unity. 

We of the North only ask, that this final settlement of aU the 
questions arising out of this contest, shall be upon such terms 
as will insure future peace and justice to all citizens. 

One of the greatest evils inflicted upon the country by the 
war, is an immense national debt; the faith of the government 
is pledged for its payment, and it must and will be paid to the 
last dollar of principal and interest. 

The national honor is at stake, and the people who created 
the debt, in their almost superhuman effort to maintain a free 
government, have not only the power, but the will and the in- 
tegrity, to fulfill their obligations to the fullest extent. Re- 
pudiation would be a stain which could never be effaced. 

It would have been better to have failed in the contest, and 
have been blotted entirely from the nations of the earth, than, 
being successful, to disgrace ourselves by voluntarily ignoring 
the claims of those who came forward to the support of the 
government in its time of need. 

Repudiation in any form, and under any circumstances, is 
one of the greatest of national evils, and the worst of national 
sins. 

The power is in the hands of the President and Congress to 
make the victory so dearly won a lasting benefit to the coun- 
try; and, with full confidence in their wisdom and judgment, 
the people await their action. 

If this action shall be such as to meet the expectations of 
their constituents, and of this I have no doubt, the results of 
the rebellion, which was commenced for the destruction of the 
government, may illustrate anew the beneficence of that Prov- 
idence, which, overruling the designs of the wicked, out of seem- 
ing evil still educes good. 

The curse of slavery removed, labor made respectable and idle- 
ness a disgrace, among all classes, the rudiments, at least, of 

[269] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1^66- 

an education assured to all the children of the republic, the 
rights of free discussion established and guaranteed in every 
state and section, a new era of material progress and intellec- 
tual development will dawn upon the country, compared with 
which the prosperity and greatness of the past, unprecedented 
as they have been, will sink into insignificance. 

Lucius Fairchild. 



[270] 



1^66] ANNUAL MESSAGE 



1866. Nineteenth Annual Legislative Session, January 11- 

April 10 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention. 
on January 11, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in which occurred the following passages relative to "Wisconsin 's- 
participation in the war between the States: 

Gentlemen of the Seriate and Assembly: 

Our first duty is to give thanks to Almighty God for all 
His mercies to us during the past year. The people of na 
nation on earth have greater cause to be thankful than have 
our people. The enemies of the country have been overthrown- 
in battle. . The war has settled finally great questions at issue be- 
tween ourselves, and there seems to be abundant reason to 
hope that a peace which shall never more be broken by internal 
strife is at length vouchsafed to us. 

We mourned as no people ever mourned before, when our 
beloved President was stricken down by the hand of the assas- 
sin. That his mantle has fallen upon a patriot of such ap- 
proved fidelity, and a statesman of such earnest and upright 
purposes as Andrew Johnson, is a subject of just congratula- 
tion, and renews our confidence that the Divine Hand, which 
has thus far led our country through manifold perils, still up- 
holds it and directs its destinies. 

Unlike former wars, the one through which we have just 
passed has not been followed by commercial stagnation. Every- 
where the business of the country has sprung into life with 
more than pristine vigor. Manufacturers are pressed to the 
utmost limit of their power, to supply demands. A million of 
men have returned from the war, been disbanded in our midst 
and resumed their former occupations, and yet from all sides 

[271] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [iS66- 

we hear the surest of all signs of national prosperity, com- 
plaints of the scarcity of labor. 

******** 

The revenues of the state for the fiscal year are estimated as 
follows -J* 
******** 

Trust funds available for war purposes $200,000 00 

«••*••• * 

Due from the United States, on war claims 160,000 00 



It is confidently expected that the state authorities will be 
able to effect a full settlement with the United States during 
the present year, and that the State will be fully reimbursed 
for all moneys expended for war purposes, which properly 
belong to the General Government to pay. Vouchers for a 
large amount are already filed with the proper auditing offi- 
cers at "Washington, and in process of settlement, and other 
vouchers are now being prepared for transmittal/^ 

Congress will probably enact laws during its present session, 
which will facilitate the final adjustment of all claims of this 
nature. 

There was received during 1865, from the United States, on 
account, the sum of $300,238.26. 



74 The estimate of expenditures for military purposes during the 

fiscal year, was as follows: 

Payment of temporary loan from the trust funds for 

war purposes $528,000 

War expenses (extra pay to soldiers) 200,000. — Ed. 

75 See ante, pp. 223, 224, note 50.— Ed. 



[272] 



^8^] ANNUAL MESSAGE 



WAR FUND 

The receipts of the war fund for the last fiscal year were as 
follows : 

Loans from the trust funds $818,000 00 

From the United States 300,238 26 

State tax for war purposes 200,000 00 

Semi-annual payments on state bonds 44,677 25 

Refunded items 1 , 413 68 

Total $1,364,329 19 

Balance in fund September 30, 1864 2,173 87 



$1,366,503 06 

Disbursements were for 

Extra pay to soldiers supporting families $1,030,537 36 

Transfers to other funds 208,716 75 

Interest on war bonds 75 , 040 00 

Labor in state armory 917 50 

■Clerk hire, printing, surgeon general, etc 25,457 58 

$1,340,669 19 

Balance in Fund September 30, 1865 $25,833 87 



There has been paid out of the state treasury for war pur- 
poses, since the beginning of the rebellion to the 1st day of 
January, 1866, not less than $3,900,000. 

There has been raised by counties, cities and towns for war 
purposes, up to June 1st, 1865, $7,752,505.67. Total expended 
by the state, $11,652,505.67, $762,403.09 of which has been 
reimbureed by the general government. 

A large sum has also been paid by localities, by tax levied 
last year, of which the state has no account. In consequence 
of this vast expenditure of money for war purposes, the bur- 
18 [ 273 ] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [^866- 

dens of the people have been heavy. In all of our state affairs 
we should practice the strictest economy consistent with the 
public good. The people demand it, and will expect all in au- 
thority to comply. 

^Make no appropriations which are not entirely necessary, 
and insist that all who are empowered to expend the public 
money shall do so with an eye single to the public welfare. 



MILITARY 

In submitting herewith the report of the quartermaster gen- 
eral, I wish to urge upon you the importance of providing a 
proper building, or buildings, for a state areenal. 

The report shows that there are now in the possession of the 
state, ordinance, arms, ammunition, and militaiy stores, as fol- 
lows: 

Nine field pieces, fully equipped; 5,186 muskets and rifies, 
with accoutrements; 481 sabers and swords; 103,300 rounds of 
ammunition ; 4,000 haversacks and canteens, together with mtich 
other property; all of which is at present stored in four differ- 
ent places, in rooms in no way suited to its proper preserva- 
tion, and, unless steps be taken to prevent it, will soon become 
unfit for use. The room now used as an armory is so small 
that arms are necessarily kept packed in chests, or piled up in 
such a way that frequent inspections are impossible. 

The ammunition which is, by the courtesy of United States 
officers in command there, now stored at Camp Randall, must 
be removed when that post is broken up. The state has no 
magazine to which it can be taken. 

From the lack of proper buildings in which to store such 
property, no requisition has been made upon the United States 
for the allowance of arms due to the . state under the act of 
Congress of April, 1848. 

These considerations seem to render it necessary that a site 
should be selected, and buildings suitable for an arsenal be 

[ 274 ] 



^S^] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

erected at an early day. The annual rent now paid 
for an armory would very nearly pay the interest upon the 
money necessary for this purpose. Proper magazines and store- 
rooms would be secured to the state, and the arms and ammu- 
nition be not only saved from ruin, but kept in readiness for 
immediate use, in case of any emergency.'* 

The experience of the last four years should warn us that 
this may again become a matter of vital importance. 

Our militia law disappoints the expectations of those who 
framed it, and entirely fails to meet the requirements of the state. 
It does not provide us with a single regiment of efficient state 
troops, which could be called into use in an emergency. I 
doubt if any other state in the Union is so entirely defenceless. 
It is important that this law should be so revised and amended 
as to give us a thorough militia organization." 

The adjutant general's report gives in detail the military 
operations of the state troops during the past year, and the 
support given to the general government, during the rebellion. 
During the past year the state has furnished 9,940 volunteers 
and 2,465 drafted men, making a total of 12,405. Seven new 
regiments only were organized from this number, the balance 
having been assigned to fill the ranks of old organizations in 
the field. 

The state has furnished under all calls from the general 
government, 52 regiments of infantry, four regiments and one 
company of cavalry, one regiment of twelve batteries of heavy 
artillery, thirteen batteries of light artillery, one company of 



76 The report of the Quartermaster-General is printed in Wis. Mess, 
and Docs., 1866, ii, pp. 1671 £f. The Legislature made no provision for 
the erection of an arsenal, and the military property of the State 
remained stored in the attic and vacant rooms of the capitol. — Ed. 

7T Two amendments to the militia law of the State were passed dur- 
ing the session of 1866; they were, ho'wever, designed only to reduce 
the expense of militia organization. See Wis. Gen. Laws, 1866, chaps.. 
15, 31.— Ed. 

[275] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 

sharpshooters, and three brigade bands, besides recruits for the 
navy and United States organizations, numbering in all 91,379, 
of which number 79,934 were volunteers, 11,445 drafted men 
and substitutes. 

The total quota of the state under all calls during the war 
is 90,116. 

In the settlement of the accounts with the general govern- 
ment, the state stands credited with 1,263 men, as an excess 
over all calls, a gratifying evidence of the devoted patriotism 
of the people of Wisconsin. 

The total military service from the state has been about 
equal to one in every nine of the entire population, or one in 
every five of the entire male population, and more than one from 
every two voters of the state. 

The losses by deaths alone, omitting all other casualties, are 
10,752, or about one in every eigbt in the service. 

Immediately after the surrender of the rebel armies, measures 
were taken by the general government with commendable 
promptness, for disbanding the volunteer union forces, and 
orders Avere issued directing the muster out of all volunteers 
whose term of service expired on or before October 1st. My 
predecessor, ever mindful of the wants of those who had gone 
from our state, urgently requested that the provisions of that 
order might extend to all Wisconsin troops, that they might re- 
turn to their homes to render the necessary assistance required 
to gather the crops and for other needed labor, which request 
has been complied with as far as the exigencies of the service 
would permit. There remains in the service at this date only 
'the 4th cavalry, one battalion of four companies of the 9th 
infantry, the 35th infantry, six companies of the 48th regi- 
ment infantry, and the 50th regiment infantry. All other or- 
ganizations have been mustered out and returned to their homes. 

BOUNTIES 

The men who enlisted in the United States Army during the 
early part of the war did not receive the same bounties from 

! [276] 



I 



^^66J ANNUAL MESSAGE 

the government which have been paid to those who entered the 
service at a late date. 

They were none the less patriotic; their service was not less 
hazardous and severe than those who have been better paid, 
and they have the right to expect that you will do whatever 
you can to influence the general government to do them jus- 
tice, by giving them bounties equal to those paid to others who 
enlisted at a later date. 

All who have periled their lives in the defense of our coun- 
try, deserve to be dealt with alike, and I am sure that you will 
esteem it a pleasure, as well as your duty, to give them the 
influence of your action.'^ 

In this connection, let me suggest that a bureau be estab- 
lished for the collection of back pay, bounties and pensions, for 
soldiers who have been in Wisconsin regiments, and for their 
families; connected with which there should also be established 
a system of claim agencies throughout the state, with a branch 
agency at Washington, these agents to report to the chief 
of the bureau at our capitol, which should be under the direc- 
tion of some one of the state departments. Bounties and back 
pay, in many cases, go to the representatives of deceased sol- 
diers. Pensions always go to the disabled and dependent. 
Those to whom they are paid are reduced to this dependence 
through no fault of their own. They would willingly earn their 
own living and dispense with all aid from the government were 
they able to do so. The sums they are to receive are small at 
best, and it seems just that the state should bear the expense 
of collecting them. The plan I have suggested has been tried 
in one of our sister states, and has been found eminently suc- 
cessful.'^® 



78 A memorial urging equalization of soldiers' bounties was pre- 
pared and presented to Congress, but had no effect. — Ed. 

79 A bill embodying the recommendations of the Governor passed the 
Assembly, but it was rejected in the Senate. — En. 

[277] i 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 

SOLDIERS' ORPHANS 

There was issued by the secretary of state in September, 1865, 
a circular letter to the town and city clerks throughout the 
state, asking those officers to inform the state department of 
the number of children of deceased Wisconsin soldiers in their 
respective towns. 367 clerks only have responded, reporting 
2,874 such children; an average of nearly eight to each town. 
If the average is the same in the towns from which no reports 
have been received, there are not less than 6,000 such children 
in the whole state under fifteen years of age. Of those re- 
ported, the ages of 791 are not given, 1,546 are between one 
and ten years of age, 517 are between ten and fourteen years 
of age, 20 were in the county poor houses, 87 have neither 
father or mother living. 

The fathers of these children have laid down their lives while 
battling for the preservation of our country. They have died, 
that we might live to reap the rich harvest of national pros- 
perity, secured to us as the result of that contest, in which they 
bore so honorable a part. 

They are the children of the state, and, as such, are entitled 
to its fostering care and protection. 

The necessity of providing a suitable asylum for such of these 
orphans as require the protection of the state, has been appre- 
ciated by our people, who have contributed generously for that 
purpose. I call your attention to the accompanying communi- 
cation,* and earnestly reeomm'end that the proposition of the 



♦Office of Soldiers' Orphans' Home, 
Madison, Wis., Jan. 4, 1866. 
His Excellency, the Governor of Wisconsin: 

Sir: — In behalf of the Executive Committee of the Soldiers' Orphans' 
Home, I have th0 honor to submit the following information: 

The Soldiers' Orphans' Home was projected by Mrs. C. A. P, 
Harvey, who conceived the idea of converting the well known Harvey 
U. S. A. General Hospital into a home for the class of childr^ its name 
Indicates. 

This lady obtained from Messrs. Marshall & Ilsley a proposition to 
Bell the property at the price of $10,000, provided, that the General 

[278] 



^S^I ANNUAL MESSAGE 

executive committee be accepted, and that the Harvey Soldiers' 
Orphans' Home be adopted by the state as one of its benevo- 
lent institutions.*" 

In the struggle just closed, Wisconsin's record stands among 
the brightest. When the first faint echoes of the distant guns 
at Sumter sounded in our ears, her sons flew to arms. A 
young and peaceful state, unused to war, almost without a 
militia organization, almost without the men fitted to lead her 



Government would donate its share' of the buildings and improvements 
made thereon (at a cost of about $12,000), and provided also, that it 
should be fitted up and furnished in readiness for the orphans of 
soldiers from Wisconsin who have died in the service during the latd 
rebellion — such fitting up and furnishing to be done by private con- 
tributions, and then, as a whole, donated to the State, in which the 
title should be ve'sted, all with a view to its permanent establishment 
under the auspices of the state, to be classed with its other benevolent 
and charitable institutions. 

This was the ground-work upon v/hich Mrs. Harvey made personal 
application to the authorities at Washington, and obtained, gratuitously, 
the interest of the government. The plan met the hearty approval of 
the Secretary of War, and by his order the possession was given to 
Mrs. H., suhject to the conditions of Messrs. Marshall & Illsley's propo- 
sition. 

Under such favorable circumstances the work was undertaken by the 
temporary organization of a Board of Trustees, with necessary officers, 
who have, in conjunction with the philanthropic projector, obtained 
private subscriptions to the amount of $12,2.50, to this dat0. The neces- 
sary refitting and furnishing has been done at a cost, thus far, of about 
$14,500, and the "Home" is nov\r ready to admit applicants from all 
parts of the state. By the accompanying circulars, etc., the details will 
be more fully understood. Blank applications (see form) have been 
furnished to the Clerks of the Board of Supervisors for distribution to 
the towns, upon the return of which, it is intended to apportion the ad- 
mission equitably throughout the State. The trustees will be pleased 
to afford such other information as may be desired upon application 
to the undersigned. 

JAMES T. LEWIS, 

President. 

D. WoRTHiNGTorr, Secretary. 

80 The Harvey Soldiers' Orphans' Home was projected by Mrs. Cor- 
delia A. P. Harvey, concerning whom see ante, p. 213, note 46. The 
war being over, she now proposed to transform the Harvey U. S. Gen- 
eral Hospital at Madison into a soldiers' orphans' home. She had 
already s'ecured from the Federal government a cession of its title 

[279] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 

few battalions, she pressed to the front with her offering of 
men ; and from the first skirmish in Virginia to the last stniggle 
in North Carolina, her banners have been displayed amid the 
smoke of every battle, her regiments have shared the fatigues 
and dangers of eveiy important expedition. "When the thunder 
of artillery "rocked like a cradle land and sea"; when the 
shrieks of the wounded and the moans of the dying came borne 
to our ears from scores of battle-fields; when our streets were 
filled with pale and wounded men; when there were defeats as 
well as victories; when traitors grew confident and patriots 
grew anxious, still her men, young and old, pressed forward 
to the conflict. They shrank not from danger — they never 
doubted of success. 

When there was mourning in so many of our homes, when 
its sad emblems were everywhere upon our streets and in our 
churches, when harassing anxiety for the danger of those they 
loved, filled so many hearts, and made pale so many faces, still 
mothers sent forth other sons, and other loving hearts bled 
fresh without a murmur. 

The plow stood almost id'e in the furrow for want of hands 
to guide it; the grain grew over ripe, and rotted on the stalk 
ror want of hands to gather it; women toiled where m.en were 
wont to work, and yet our country's calls were answered. 

In the hour of her greatest danger, Wisconsin's sons and 
daughters listened only to her voice. I thank God that this 
was so. To protect the state from danger is always the highest 
duty of the citizen. With us it was a solemn duty. Not our 



to the buildings, and was requesting the Wisconsin Legislature for 
an appropriation of $10,000 with which to purchase the necessary 
grounds. The Legislature not only made the appropriation, but ac- 
cepted the Home as one of its benevolent institutions. Thereafter it 
provided each year for about three hundred soldiers' orphans. The 
act incorporating the Soldiers' Orphans' Home is Wis. Gen. Laws, 
1866, chap. 39. See also post, p. 301, note 98, and Kurn, Wisconsin 
Women in the War, pp. 144-147. — Ed. 

[280] 



i866] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

own national life alone, but the cause of freedom, and the suc- 
cess of free institutions throughout the world depended upon! 
our arms. If we failed, these failed with us. If we failed, the 
lamp of liberty went out forever, and left the world in darkness. 
That we did not fail is indeed a cause of great rejoicing. That 
the cause of freedom triumphed brings joy to all the world. 
Yet for us to-day, it is a chastened triumph. Tears will mingle 
with our joy, sadness with our pride. 

Thousands, "the flower of our youth, the beauty of our 
Israel", have fallen in the conflict; dying that we might live. 
Proud of their noble sacrifice, a nation mourns their loss. 

Let it be your care that those whose natural guardians they 
were, shall not be left to want. 

Let it be our privilege to see that suffering and neglect be 
not added to their noble grief. Let the state protect their 
families and educate their children. This being done, those 
fallen heroes will need no monument other than their nation's 
greatness. 

For all who nobly bore their part in this dread conflict a na- 
tion 's heart beats warm with gratitude. Generation after genera- 
tion yet to come, will kneel and bless them for it. They have 
saved the nation's life. 

If anything can be added to their proud consciousness of 
duty nobly done, let them dwell with satisfaction on the glori- 
ous future they have made possible for our country, when a 
hundred millions of free and happy people shall owe a proud 
allegiance to that flag they have so gallantly defended. 

Lucros Fairchild. 

January 11, 1866. 



[281] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 



SPECIAL MESSAGES 

Executive Department, 
Madison, January 18th, 1866. 
To the Honorable the Legislature: 

I herewith transmit for your consideration a communication 
from A. A. Biggs, Esq., president of the board of trustees of 
the Antietam national cemetery. The trustees report that one 
hundred and twenty-five Wisconsin soldiers who fell in the 
battle of Antietam, are buried in the cemetery. 

They ask our state to contribute its share of the money neces- 
sary to a completion of their work. 

It seems proper that Wisconsin should honor herself by hon- 
oring the burial place of her gallant sons.^^ 

Lucius Fairchild, 



Madison, January 25th, 1866. 
To the Legislature: 

I herewith transmit the report of W. Y. Selleck, Esq., com- 
missioner for Wisconsin to represent this state in the board of 
managers of the soldiers' national cemetery, at Gettysburg, Pa. 

I am informed that the amount of money now asked for 
from this state, as her share of the sum necessary for the com- 
pletion of the cemetery, is all that the board ever intend to 
ask of her. After the action already taken by the state in this 
matter, good faith requires that the contribution should be 
promptly paid.^^ 

Lucius Fairchild. 



81 The Legislature took no action regarding this matter. — Ed. 

82 The report of Commissioner Selleck contained a request for a 
final appropriation of $2,526 toward the project of the GrCttysburg 
"National Cemetery. The desired sum was granted in 1867. — Ed. 

[ 282 ] 



'S^] NEGRO SUFFRAGE 

Executive Department, 

Madison, March 1, 1866. 
To the Honorable the Assembly: 

I herewith transmit the report of the surgeon general of the 
8tate requested by resolution No. 68, adopted by the assembly.*' 

Lucius Faibchild. 



NEGRO SUFFRAGE ASSURED 

[Entry in Executive Register:] 2d April, 1866. On this 
day the Governor issued the following 

Proclamation 

Whereas, under the provisions of Chapter 137 of the Gen- 
eral Laws of 1849 the electors of this state did in that year 
vote upon the question of extension of the right of suffrage to 
the Colored men residing in this state ; and 

Whereas upon the canvass of the returns of said election by 
the state board of Canvassers it appeared that there were 
(5,265) five thousand two hundred and sixty five votes cast 
in favor of and (4,075) four thousand and seventy five votes 
cast against such extension of the right of suffrage to colored 
persons; and 

Whereas, the Supreme Court of the Stat« of Wisconsin did on 
the 27th day of March A. D. 1866 decide that by that vote Sec- 
tion 2 of Chapter 137 of the General Laws of 1849 was adopted. 

Therefore, I, Lucius Fairchild, Governor of the State of 
Wisconsin do proclaim, for the information of the people, that 
the said section 2 of Chapter 137 of the General Laws of 1849, 
as follows, 

Section 2. Every male colored Inhabitant of the age of twenty one 
years or upwards who shall have resided in this state for one year 



83 The report, which may be found in Wis. Assem. Jour., 1866, p. 426, 
contains a discussion of operations at the close of the war. — Ed. 

[283] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1867- 

next preceding any election shall be deemed a qualified elector at such 
election and eligible to hold any oflace in the state, subject however to 
the regulations contained in sections 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, of the Constitu- 
tion of this State. 

is by the decision x)f the Supreme Court aforesaid declared to 
be a valid law and in full force. It is with great satisfaction 
that I announce this decision to the people, for by it the high- 
est judicial tribunal of the State has declared that no citizen 
of this State is now debarred the privilege of the ballot box 
by reason of the color of his skin.^* 



84 The question of negro suffrage was submitted to the people of 
Wisconsin in 1847, together with their first State Constitution. It 
was decisively defeated by a vote of 14,615 to 7,664. The opposition 
came from the mining district of southwestern Wisconsin, where 
Southern influence predominated, and from the German element in 
the State, which had been rendered hostile by the attempt made In 
the Constitutional Convention of 1846 to combine the question of 
negro suffrage with that of foreign suffrage. The growth of free-soil 
sentiment in the State, however, and the fact that a large proportion 
of those voting on the Constitution failed to vote on this particular 
measure, influenced the Legislature of 1849 to re-submit the question. 
It accordingly passed a law (Wis. Oen. Laivs, 1849, chap. 137, sec. 2), 
providing that negro suffrage should be in force, if, at the next election 
for State officers, it received a favorable majority. Little interest was 
shown in the matter at this election. The law receiving 5,265 votes 
for, to 4,075 against, it appeared that negro suffrage had been 
accepted. The State Board of Canvassers, however, decided that the 
proposition had been defeated; for although it had received a major- 
ity of the votes cast on that subject, it had not received a majority 
of all the votes cast at the election. This decision was generally ac- 
ceptable to the people of the State, and held for seventeen years. The 
question of negro suffrage v/as in the meantime submitted to vote 
twice more, and each time was defeated. In 1866, however, the State 
Supreme Court handed down a decision in the case of Gillespie vs. 
Palmer et al (20 Wis., p. 572), reversing the decision of the State 
Board of Canvassers, and declaring the law of 1849 in full force. See 
Winslow, Story of a Great Court, pp. 246-249.— Ed. 

[284] 



^^^] NEGRO SUFFRAGE 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed iny name 
and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be 
affixed. 

Done at Madison, this 2d day of April, A. D. 1866. 

Lucius Fairchild. 



[285] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1866- 



1867. Twentieth Annual Legislative Session, January 10- 

April 12 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention 
on January 10, and the Governor read thereto in person hi» 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in which occurred the following references to the War between 
the States: 

Gentlemen of the Senate and Assembly: 



WAK EXPENSES 

The receipts of the war fund during the fiscal year were: 

Semi-annual payment on state bonds |12,604 31 

Refunded items 319 67 

Loan from trust funds 135,000 00 

Total $147,923 9» 

Balance, Sept. 30, 1865 $25,833 87 

The disbursements amounted to $172,166.17, of which $153,- 
125.59 were paid to soldiers' families. There has been ex- 
pended from the soldiers' relief fund the sum of $390.82 dur- 
ing the past year. As no further necessity exists for this fund, 
authority should be given for its transfer to the general fund. 

Over $4,000,000.00 have been expended from the state treas- 
ury for war purposes, since April, 1861. At least $8,000,000.00 
have been expended by cities, counties and towns throughout 
the state, for the same purpose, making a total expenditure on 
account of the war of about $12,000,000.00, which does not in- 

[ 286 ] 



i86;] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

elude the millions contributed by our citizens for charitable 
purposes connected with the war. 

Large sums have, in like manner, been expended by each of 
the other loyal states. In my judgment justice demands the 
reimbursement, by the general government, of these states for 
such expenditures, to the end that the people of the whole 
country may bear their equitable share of the burden. 

I respectfully recommend that, by memorial to Congress, you 
ask this reimbursement.*^ 

No payments have been made by the United States to this 
state, during the past year, in liquidation of war claim.s here- 
tofore presented. 

Vouchere for the expenditure of an additional sum of $33,- 
078.45 have been filed with the auditing officei*s at Washington. 
It is not probable, however, that any further sums will be 
realized on these claims until Congress directs their payment.^* 
* * * * * #* * 

The wants of the soldiers' orphans throughout the state, made 
it necessary to open the "Home" before provision could be 
made for its organization under state control. It was accord- 
ingly opened January 1st, 1866, the necessary means being 
furnished, in great part, by private subscription. The amount 
received from such subscriptions was $12,834.69. The amount 
expended for repairs, furniture, and current expenses was $21,- 
106.67. The $8,271.98 expended in excess of the amount re- 
ceived from contributions, was generously advanced by Samuel 
Marshall, Esq., treasurer under the temporary organization. 
The state has had the benefit of this sum, and should refund it 



85 In response to this recommendation the Legislature prepared a 
joint resolution endorsing the plan of Congressman James G. Blaine, 
whereby each loyal State should receive a payment of $52 for every 
soldier which it had furnished for the three-year term of service. 
The matter received but slight consideration in Congress. See Wis. 
Oen. Laws, 1867, Jt. Res. no. 19. — ED. 

8<! See ante, pp. 223, 224, note 50.— Ed. 

[287] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1867- 

to Mr. Marshall. The property was purchased by the state 
for $10,000.00, and the Home became a state institution March 
31st, 1866, since which time the trustees have received for its 
support $25,000.00 from the state, and $404.75 from other 
sources. Amount expended during the fiscal year $17,460.20. 
Balance on hand September 30th, 1866, $7,944.07. On the 1st 
day of January, 1867, 298 children had been received into the 
Home, of whom 57 have been removed by parents and guar- 
dians, and 5 have died, leaving the number of inmates on that 
day 236. An additional building is needed for school purposes, 
for the erection of which an appropriation of $10,000.00 is asked 
by the trustees. It being of tlie utmost importance that every 
facility should be given for the education of these children, I 
recommend that this appropriation be made.*^ The erection of 
such a building, in addition to its importance to the educational 
interests of the home, will materially increase its capacity for 
usefulness. It can nov/ accommodate 300, and the trustees con- 
fidently expect that by April next it will be full. Should this 
recommendation receive your concurrence, an additional ward 
will be made of the room occupied by the school, thereby pro- 
viding for at least fifty more. It is thought that the Home will 
then accommodate all of the really destitute soldiers' orphans 
in the state who will ever apply for admission. The trustees 
also ask an appropriation of $40,000.00 for current expenses 
this year. 

No state in the Union has made better provision for the care 
and maintenance of the orphans of its soldiers, than has Wis- 
consin. What has been thus nobly begun must be generously 
continued. These children, to whom we owe so much, cannot 
be the objects of charity from the state. They are the beloved 
wards of the state, and when it provides for them a home and 
an education, it pays but little of the debt it owes them. Notli- 



8T The Legislature made two appropriations, aggregating $40,000, for 
the current expenses of the institution. The appropriation for a school 
building was delayed until the next year. — Ed. 

[288] 



i86/] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

ing should be left undone which will contribute to their present 
happiness and future success. They have thus far progressed 
in their studies with commendable rapidity, and evince a zeal 
which proves their appreciation of the advantages which you 
are extending to them. I am confident that the institution has 
been ably managed in all its departments, and that the children 
have received that parental care which belongs to them. I 
need not commend them to your care, for each one of them, I 
know, has a place in your hearts. 



MILITARY 

During the i>ast year all "Wisconsin volunteer soldiers have 
been mustered out and discharged from the United States serv- 
ice, and have returned to peaceful avocations, enjoying with 
their comrades the proud consciousness that their duty to their 
country has been performed i]i such a manner as to reflect 
great credit upon the nation, the state, and themselves. The 
glorious record of her soldiers has made Wisconsin honored 
among the sisterhood of states. We can never forget the serv- 
ices of these gallant men, and should never hesitate to do them 
honor. To testify in part the esteem in which the people hold 
the rank and file of their army, I am promoting by brevet for 
conspicuous gallantry on specified occasions, those enlisted men 
who are properly recommended by comrades personally cog- 
nizant of the facts. By a general system of brevets, the na- 
tional government has precluded the state from thus reward- 
ing its officers, and to extend such commissions to the tens of 
thousands Avho served long and faithfully in the ranks would, 
by the number required, destroy their value. I have therefore 
thought it necessary to confine these compliments to those to 
whom fortunate circum.stances gave opportunity for the display 
of distinguished gallantry. 

I again call attention to the unsatisfactory condition of the 
state militia. The law should be so amended as to provide the 
19 [ 289 ] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1^67- 

state with at least ten companies of thoroughly organized troops. 
The state should not be allowed to remain longer entirely de- 
fenseless. You are referred to the report of the Adjutant 
General for valuable suggestions upon this subject.®' 



NATIONAL CEMETERIES 

On the battle fields of Gettysburg and Antietam, beautiful 
cemeteries have been prepared into which the remains of the 
Union dead have been gathered. The expense of thus remov- 
ing from the neighboring fields where they fell, to their last 
resting place, the remains of our heroes, of erecting suitable 
monuments to their memory, and of inclosing and ornamenting 
the grounds, is to be borne by each loyal state in proportion to 
the number of its sons there buried. 

There is still unpaid of the sum equitably due from Wiscon- 
sin to the Gettysburg association $2,526.36, and to the An- 
tietam association $3,344.88. These sums will, it is estimated, 
cover our proportion of the entire expense of fully completing 
the cemeteries.^^ 

We honor ourselves by honoring those who fell in our de- 
fense, and should deem it a privilege to do our full share in 
such a work. 

AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 

I herewith transmit for your consideration an attested copy 
of a resolution of Congress, proposing to the legislatures of 
the several states, a fourteenth article to the Constitution of 
the United States. This resolution has for many months been 



88 The Adjutant-General's report is printed in "Wis. Mess, and Docs., 
1867, ii, p. 687 ff. The Legislature took no action on the Governor's 
recommendations. — Ed. 

89 The Legislature made the desired appropriation to the Gettysburg 
association. The Antietam appropriation was not acted on. — Ed. 

[290] 



i86/] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

before the people, and during that time its several sections have 
been made the subject of earnest discussion. The people of 
this state are thoroughly familiar with its provisions, and with 
a full understanding of them: in all their bearings, have by an 
overwhelming majority declared in favor of its immediate rati- 
fication. It has formed the basis of the campaigns, and been 
made the issue of the late elections, in every northern state, 
and most of you are here to-day, because your constituents knew 
that you deemed this amendment just and necessary.®" The 
people of the other loyal states have declared with like emphasis 
in its favor. I need therefore urge upon you no extended argu- 
ment in support of it. Notwithstanding the fact that this amend- 
ment will unquestionably be ratified by the legislatures of more 
than two-thirds of the states whose practical relations to the 
Union have never been suspended, it is the deliberate voice of 
the loyal masses, that before those who were so lately seeking 
the nation 's life shall be reclothed with the political rights which 
they forfeited by their treason, they must assent to the pro- 
posed amendment with all its guarantees, securing to all men 
equality before the law; a representation based upon popula- 
tion, but excluding from computation all classes who are de- 
prived of political privileges, except for participation in rebel- 
lion or other crimes; the disqualification for office of all who 
added to the crime of treason that of perjury, until such dis- 
qualification is removed by Congress; the eternal repudiation, 
state and national, of the rebel debt, with all claims for loss 
and emancipation of slaves; and the sanctity of the Federal 
debt, placing forever beyond the reach of traitor and demagogue, 
that due to our disabled soldiers, and to the widows and orphans 
of our fallen. This declaration of the people has been made 
temperately through the ballot-box, at a peaceful election, but 
it has been made with a firm voice, not to be misunderstood, and 



•oThe Fourteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution was 
ratified in the Wisconsin Assembly by a vote of 69 to 10; In the 
Senate by 22 to 10.— Ed. 

[29T] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1867- 

from it there lies 110 appeal. This demand is not made with a 
desire to appropriate to ourselves undue political power, or to 
oppress or humiliate the Southern people. It is made because 
in view of the terrible events of the past five years, we deem 
these guarantees necessary to the life of the nation, and we 
insist that those who saved that life have an undeniable right 
to demand all guarantees essential to its future preservation. 
The course pursued by the North ought long since to have 
convinced all men who are willing to be convinced, that we 
heartily desire to live with the Southern people upon terms of 
brotherly love, all laboring together for the good of our common 
country, and that we desire to enforce no terms which can be 
considored harsh or unkind. We have shown no vindictiveness 
in the past. We will cherish no hatred in the future. While the 
war was still raging, they were again and again implored to 
desist, with the assurance of pardon and restoration of the 
rights which they had forfeited. With the danmable and re- 
volting scenes of Audersonville, Belle Isle, Salisbuiy and Fort 
Pillow, they answered our entreaties. And later, when we had 
wrested from them their arms and paroled their armies, we, who 
had suffered outrage and insult at their hands, who had seen our 
flag fired upon and dragged in the dust, our brothers killed by 
hundreds of thousands, and our land filled with widows, orphans 
and disabled men, we upon whom they had heaped a monster 
debt, still offered them tei*ms. With the massacres of Memphis 
and New Orleans before our eyes, and with the blood of thous- 
ands of Union men — murdered because they were Union men — 
crying aloud to us for vengeance, we continued to offer them 
full restoration of political rights upon the terms embodied in 
this resolution. It was hoped that the sober, second thought 
•of the now ruling class at the South would lead to the acceptance 
jn good faith of these terms. Events have proved that the hope 
■was without foundation. They have been .rejected so far as 
they have been acted upon, except by the people of Tennessee ; 
rejected, too, with scorn and abuse of the government, and with 
bitterest denunciation against our people. 

[292] -' 



i86;] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

As the people of the South were impelled by a mysterious but 
All-wise Providence to rebel against the government, that they 
might perpetuate in their midst the hideous crime of human 
slavery, and thus struck the blow which finally set free all who 
were in bondage there, so now that same Providence inipels 
them to force the people of the North to do that which, but for 
their desire to conciliate, they would long since have done — 
their whole duty. 

There is a time when "mercy to the criminal is cruelty to the 
state." Gentlemen, that time has come. The day of compromise 
has passed, and passed forever. The day for doing that which 
is right in itself has come, and until we have done the right, 
and done it far all time, we have shamefully failed in our duty, 
not only to the world and to ourselves, but to the five hundred 
thousand brave men who gave their lives so freely that liberty 
might live. In my opinion, it is the duty of Congress, the only 
remaining hope of loyalty and justice at the South, to provide 
for the future establishment of local governments over those 
portions of the South lately in rebellion, which have refused 
their assent to this amendment, such governments to be based 
upon impartial, loyal suffrage. In this I advocate no disregard 
of the Constitution. I yield to no man in my reverence for that 
instrument. The fact that illegal local governments have been 
in operation there since the cessation of hostilities, forms no bar 
to the right of Congress to establish legal ones. Let Congress 
act, and the loyal people will sustain it, be the consequences 
what they may. No other course \^^lll settle our troubles beyond 
the possibility of a recurrence, and insure justice to the Union- 
ists of that section. The safety of our country and the fulfill- 
ment of our pledges alike demand it. "We have pledged our 
honor that we would stand by and protect those who were loyal 
at the South during the struggle just ended. It were better to 
have failed in the contest, than now to coldly turn our backs 
upon those who were "faithful found among the faithless.*' 
"We should deserve to be wiped out from among the nations of 
the earth, did we do this. 

[293] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [^^^j- 

I am firm in the faith that with proper action on the part of 

Congress, the day of settlement is at hand. Let the people stand 
fast in the position they have taken, and it must soon come. 
"Would that my voice could reach all loyal men in the land, to 
tell them to be of good cheer, for the day is not far distant when 
our beloved country will be, in all its sections, a land of freedom 
in fact as well as in name ; free in speech, free in press, and free 
in ballot. May God speed the coming of that happy day ! 

Lucius Fairchild. 

Executive Chamber, Madison, January 10th, 1867. 



294 



i868] ANNUAL MESSAGE 



1868. Twenty-first Annual Legislative Session, January 9- 

April 11 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention 
on January 9, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in which he referred as follows to the war between the States : 

To the Leffislature: 
******** 

It is estimated that not more than $10,000 remain due to 
soldiers on account of extra pay. The war fund, as a distinct 
fund, is no longer necessary. I therefore concur in the recom- 
mendation of the Secretary of State, that it be closed and all 
claims groAving out of the war be hereafter paid from the gen- 
eral fund.^^ 

Persistent efforts have been made to secure a final settlement 
of the claim of the state against the general government on 
account of expenses incurred in connection with the war, but 
up to this time such settlement has not been effected. In addi- 
tion to the sums heretofore paid $131,437.24 have been allowed 
the state during the past year, leaving unadjusted accounts to 
the amount of about $248,000.00. It is possible that a portion 
of the claim will finally be disallowed by the treasury depart- 
ment under the strict rules which govern in the settlement of 
such accounts. Should this prove true, recourse must be had to 
Congress for relief. The claim is in every respect a just and 
correct one, and I do not doubt its ultimate liquidation by the 



•1 The report of the Secretary of State on the war fund may be 
found in Wis. Mess and Docs., 1868, pp. 8, 9. His recommendation was 
adopted in &en. Laws, 1868, chap. 148. — Ed. 

[295] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [i86S- 

government, in the defense and support of which Wisconsin 
made the dishursements Avhich form its basis.^- 

There was expended from the Governor's contingent fund 
during the past year $1,163.17, leaving a balance of $2,310.74: 
in the fund. 

Of the appropriation of $500.00, made last winter for the 
support, at the Chicago charitable eye and ear infirmary, of 
indigent Wisconsin soldiers suffering from diseases of the eye or 
ear, contracted while in the service, there has been expended 
$391.04. 

The Soldiers' Orphans' Home is filled to its utmost capacity, 
an average of 280 children being present. Frequent applica- 
tions for admission are made which must be denied. It is the 
opinion of the trustees, that if a school building should be 
erected, all Avho will desire admission can be accommodated. 
The state should furnish a home for all such children as need 
it, and I trust such an arrangement as will insure the desired re- 
sult will be promptly made. Left by the patriotism of their 
fathers in the defence of our common country, with none to care 
for and protect them, it is the duty, and a pleasant one, of the 
state to assum'e their guardianship : and until the ^people cease 
to hold in grateful recollection the gallant deeds of those who 
died maintaining our nation's honor, they wall gladly provide 
these helpless orphans with homes and education. I need not 
commend them to your kindly care.^^ 



MILITIA 

There has been no material change in the state militia during 
the past year. A few independent companies have been organ- 



92 See ante. pp. 223, 224, note 50.— Ed. 

•3 The Legislature appropriated $12,000 for the erection of a school 
building, and $40,000 for current expenses. — Ed. 

[ 296 ] 



i868] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

ized and manifest considerable spirit. Our militia law is so 
defective as to be nearly a dead letter, but until Congress de- 
cides whether or not it will provide for a national militia sys- 
tem, it is best to defer action upon the subject. The Adjutant 
General has published in his report as complete a list as is now 
possible of the names and places of burial of Wisconsin soldiers 
who died in the service.®* This will give important information 
to the friends of the deceased soldiers, and will very materially 
lessen the correspondence of the office. Within three months 
the records of the Adjutant General's office will be completed, 
and the necessity of supporting it, as a distinct office, no longer 
existing, it will then be dispensed with, and the records will be 
placed in charge of the Governor's secretary, 
• #*****• 

The work of reconstruction is progressing as rapidly and as 
satisfactorily'^ as could be expected when we consider that a 
great majority of those who were leading traitors are opposing 
the pacification of the country upon any basis which will not 
insure to them full control of the states lately in rebellion, and 
place under subjection to them the Union men of that section.®^ 
Such have constantly sought since -the cessation of hostilities 
to save from the ruins of their crushed confederacy some of the 
pernicious principles upon which it was founded, and have 
seemed resolved to accept no terms which the government might 
offer. They have opposed, and still bitterly oppose, all schemes 
of reconstruction unless of their own dictation. When the war 
was ended, and the paroled armies of treason had returned to 
their homes, the people of the North had a right to expect from 
them obedience to and acquiesence in the laws of the land. In 
this just expectation they have been continually disappointed. 

Those who sustained this Union and who gave to its support 
freely of their blood and treasure, have some rights which 



«4 This report is found in Wis. Mess, and Docs., 1868, p. 470 ff. — ^Ed. 
•5 For the history of reconstruction in the South, see Rhodes, United 
States, vi, vii. — Ed. 

[ 297 ] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [186&- 

traitors are bound to respect, and which will be enforced. They 
have a right to an early restoration to the Union of the states 
lately in rebellion upon a basis of equal and exact justice to 
all men. They have a right to demand that the local govern- 
ments of those states shall be placed in the hands of men who 
are neither forsworn nor unrepentant of their treason; that 
Union men of every grade and condition shall receive that pro- 
tection to which they are entitled, and without which this gov- 
ernment would be but a stupendous farce. They are satisfied 
with the congressional plan of reconstruction now being carried 
out, and will not materially change it, because it guarantees 
these rights, and because they believe its main features essential 
to the future safety of the Republic. The principles which 
underlie it cannot be successfully opposed, and those at the 
South who are so bitterly hostile to them' are proving themselves 
entirely unworthy of the generous forbearance received by them 
at the hands of a people whom they have so deeply injured. 
Nothing is demanded in a spirit of anger or revenge. Seeking 
the safety of the nation, we demand only what is deemed es- 
sential to its future peace, and to the perpetuity of our free 
institutions. No one asks the permanent disfranchisement of 
ajiy class of people at the South, but simply that those, who by 
their position and education, controlled the Southern masses 
and led them into rebellion against the government, and who 
are responsible for all the precious blood which has been shed, 
and the lives which have been sacrificed, shall not be permitted 
to regain their former political power until they indicate by 
their action a willingness to acquiesce in the principles which 
pledge to all men equality before the law, and ample protection 
in the enjoyment of all the rights which belong to men and citi- 
zens. Early restoration to all forfeited privileges is within 
their grasp. Let them, embittered no longer by sectional rancor 
and defeated partizanship, join hands with the people of the 
North in redeeming the nation's pledges, and in placing the 
Republic upon a basis of justice and right which shall endure 
through the coming ages, and gladly will all extend to them the 

[298] 



i868] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

hand of friendly, hearty welcome. Strong in the consciousness 
of being right, and in the full faith that ultimately the right 
must and will prevail, united by an honest devotion to the best 
interests of the entire country, and unfaltering in the holy de- 
termination to hand down to posterity, without a stain, and 
stronger than ever before, the government which the Fathers 
gave them, the Union men of this land, North and South, will 
stand firm and undismayed until the great work is done, and 
harmony reigns once more throughout our whole domain. 

Lucius Faiechild. 
Executive Chamber, January 9tli, 1868. 



DESERTERS 



Executive Department. 

Madison, January 25th, 1868. 

To the Honorable the AssemUy of Wisconsin: 

In response to resolution No. 31, A, requesting me to furnish 
to the Assembly copy of all correspondence had with the Secre- 
tary of War or with any other officer or department of the Gen- 
eral Government "in regard to residents of this state who have 
been reported as deserters from the United States Military 
Service," I have the honor to transmit herewith to your honor- 
able Body, copy of letter addressed by me to Gen'l. U. S. Grant, 
Secretary of War, ad interim, upon the subject indicated, with 
copy of endorsements made thereon by the Department at 

Washington.^^ 

Lucius Faiechild. 



86 The correspondence related to Wisconsin soldiers wlio had been 
reported as deserters from the army or from the draft, and who by 
Act of Congress were declared to have forfeited their rights of citizen- 
ship. The Governor protested that the list contained the names of 
many Wisconsin soldiers who had served honorably, and who hlad 
been reported as deserters only through the carelessness and neglect 
of regimental officers. See Wis. Assem. Jour., 1868, p. 158.— Ed. 

[299] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1869- 



1869. Twenty-second Annual Legislative Session, January 

13-March 11 

The two Houses of the Legislature met in Joint Convention on 
January 14, and the Governor read thereto in person his 

ANNUAL MESSAGE 

in which he made the following references to matters growing 
out of the War between the States: 

To the Legislature: 

The efforts to secure a final settlement of the claim against 
the Federal government on account of expenses incurred in 
connection with the war, have not ceased. Explanations have 
been made answering the objections of the auditing officers at 
Washington, so far as is now possible, and it is confidently ex- 
pected that a large portion of the claim will be allowed during 
this year.^^ 

Upon tlie Soldiers' Orphans' Home are fixed the w^arm 
affections of those who loved the cause for which our army 
fought. The trustees are endeavoring to have the institution 
so conducted as to render it as much like a "home" as is 
possible, and will spare no pains in that direction. By the re- 
moval of the school to the new building, completed last month, 
the capacity of the institution is increased to 300, Contrary 
to our expectations there are many applications for admission 
on file, which, for want of room, must be denied. This ought 
not to be. No orphan of a Wisconsin soldier should be al- 
lowed to suffer. The people are anxious and willing to expend 



97 See ante, pp. 223, 224, note 50.— Ed. 

[ 300 ] 



1869] ANNUAL MESSAGE 

any sum of money necessary to prevent it, feeling that in so 
doing they are paying but a tithe of the debt due to the chil- 
dren of those who fell while defending the Union. Arrange- 
ments should be made immediately for the care and education 
of all such as require it. There was appropriated in 1868 for 
current expenses, and payment of deficiency $40,000.®* 

It is a source of satisfaction that the mode and terms of re- 
construction of the states lately in rebellion have been so wisely 
determined upon by Congress and that such determination, em- 
bodied in the laws relating thereto, has received the solemli 
sanction of the people at the ballot box, and now has been sup- 
plied, by the popular voice, the only element wanting to the 
happy consummation of reconstruction, an executive ready and 
willing to enforce obedience to the law^s in all sections, and se- 
cure to every persou, of whatever grade, hue, or condition, the 
rights which are inseparable from freedom. We may now con- 
sider the most important issues growing out of the rebellion as 
substantially settled. There is every warrant for the hope that 
the people of the South, yielding to the properly expressed will 
of the majority, will now, and henceforth, render a complete 



88 The Soldiers' Orphans' Home was maintained by the State until 
the autumn of 1874, when it was closed under direction of Wis. Oen. 
Laws, 1874, chap. 72, and the buildings turned over to the Universi'ty 
of Wisconsin to be used as a medical college. The regents of the 
University decided, however, that the buildings were unsuited to the 
purposes of a medical college, and in 1876 secured authority from the 
Legislature to dispose of them. The orphans in the institution at 
the time when it was closed were either returned to their guardians 
or entered private homes. An allowance of $5 per month per child 
was granted to their guardians by the State, until they should attain 
the age of fourteen. 

During the nine years of its existence, the Home had received from 
the State a total of $280,000. It had maintained a total of 683 or- 
phans, to whom it had furnished the opportunities of a home and a 
common gchool education. — Ed. 

[ 301 ] 



GOVERNOR FAIRCHILD [1869- 

obedience to law, and that persecution of freedmen, that mur- 
der and social ostracism of loyalists, organized rapine and law- 
lessness will vanish from that section forever. Should we, how- 
ever, be disappointed in this just expectation, should the spirit 
of rebellion and passion continue to show itself, we may rest 
assured that neither sympathy with treason nor imbecility will 
rule in the executive councils, but, that the entire power of the 
nation will be vigorously used to vindicate the majesty of the 
nation's laws. Further difficulty we would avoid; we desire, 
and ivill have perfect peace, and if the Southern men will meet 
us in that spirit, friendship will come with it. Let the people 
of the South, no longer falsely regarding us as their enemies, 
leave the "lost cause" where the fate of battle left it, let them 
not only permit, but invite immigration, afford protection and 
encouragement to every department of industry, apply them- 
selves assiduously to the arts of peace, and speedily repair the 
ravages of war by developing the almost boundless resources 
of their beautiful country. Let them join hands with us of the 
North, in brotherly grasp, banishing all prejudice and hatred, 
and heartily co-operate with us in the noble and patriotic en- 
deavor to contribute to the honor, peace, glory and welfare of 
the whole of our common country. 

Lucius Fairchild. 

Executive Ciiambee, January 14, 1869. 



FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT 

Executive Department, 

Madison, March 5, 1869. 

To the Honoralle the Legislature: 

I have the honor to lay before your honorable body here- 
with, a copy of a communication this day received at this de- 
partment from the Honorable "William H, Seward, Secretary of 
State of the United States, transmitting a certified copy of "a 

[302] 



1869] FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT 

resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the 
United States", and also the copy of the resolution therein re- 
ferred to. 

It gives me pleasure to transmit the same thus early to your 
Honorable body for your action thereon, and I trust that your 
ratification of this most proper and necessary amendment will 
be so prompt and decisive as to fully reflect the sentiments of 
your constituents, the people of Wisconsin.^^ 

Lucius Fairchild. 



99 This was the Fifteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, 
extending the franchise to the negro race. It was ratified in the Assem- 
bly by a vote of 62 to 29; in the Senate, by 15 to 11. — Ed. 



[303] 



INDEX 



Adams, John, cited, 237. 

Adams, John Quincy, elected president, 57; cited, 234. 

Agriculture, premiums for, 30, 31; in 1862, 154. 

Alabama, resolution from, 45. 

Alexander III, frees serfs, 22. 

Alexandria (Va.), sanitary agent at, 243. 

Alban, Col. James S., 78, 95. 

Allen, Col. Benjamin, 78, 95. 

Allison, William B., 155. 

Allotment system, described, 98, 99; operation of, 175, 176; fund, 201, 

222. 
Alma (Wis.), post-office at, 108. 
Andersonville prison, 292. 
Annapolis (Md.), sanitary agent at, 243. 
Antietam National Cemetery, 282, 290. 

Appomattox Court House (Vn.), Lee surrenders at, 216-249. 
Arkansas, resolution from, 45. 
Arsenal, recommendations for. 100, 274. 

Bad Ax Volunteers, organized, 73. 

Baker, Capt. Milo M., 73. 

Baltimore (Md.), Wisconsin troops at, 85; sanitary agent, 243. 

Barstow, Gov. William A.. 2; commands cavalry, 95. 

Bartlett. M. D.. sanitary agent. 212, 214. 

Bashford, Gov. Coles, 2, 46. 

Battles : 

Bull Run, reverse at, 135. 

Cedar Mountain, reverse at, 135. 

Corinth, Wisconsin troops at, 124. 

Falling Waters, Wisconsin troops at, 94, 257. 

Fort Pillow, 153. 

Gainesville, Wisconsin troops at, 258. 



20 



305 



INDEX 

Battles (continued) — ^T ■ ^ 

Gettysburg, Wisconsin troops at, 258. 

Harpers Ferry, reverse at, 135. 

Island No. Ten, 153. 

-Memphis, 153. 

•Murfreesboro, 176. 

•New Orleans, 153. 

IPort Hudson, 153. 

Shiloli, Wisconsin troops at, 90. 

Vicksburg, 153. 
Beardsley, J. W., Assembly speaker, 80. 
Bell, George, 108. 
Belle Isle (Va.), prison at, 292. 
Belleville (Wis.), troops from, 73. 
Beloit (Wis.), troops from, .50, 52. 
Belvidere (Wis.), inliabitant, 108. 
Berdan's Sharpshooters, Wisconsin troops in, 95; volunteer aid for, 74» 

75. 
Biggs, A. A., letter from, 282. 
Black, Thomas, letter from, 108. 
Blaine, James G., bounty bill of, 287. 
Bonds, war. See Finances. 
Boston (Mass.), draft in, 183. 
Bouck, Capt. Gabriel, 52. 

Bounties, for recruits, 159, 161, 187, 188, 202, 204. 246. 276, 277. 
Bowen, Mrs. Clara, letter from, 107. 
Brehl, Sophie, letter from, 108. 
Britt, — , 127. 

Britton. Capt. William B., 73. 
Britt's Landing (Tenn.). 127, 129. 
Brodhead, Edward H., state agent, 120. 
Brown, John, at Harpers Ferry, 25. 
Bryant, Col. George E., 94. 

Buchanan, Pres. James, approves amendment, 47. 
Buffalo County (Wis.), 108. 
Bull, Miss Frances, marries, 258. 

Cairo (111.), 59, 90, 120; Harvey at, 128; sanitary agent, 243. I 

Callis, Capt. John B., 73. 

[ 306 ] 



INDEX 

Camp Randall (Wis.), named, 2; troops at, 82, 95; prisoners at, 165, 
166; equipment, 65, 66, 274; conditions at, 180, 181. 

Camp Sigel (Wis.). Wisconsin troops at, 95. 

Camp Tredway (Wis.), Wisconsin troops at, 95. 

Camp Utley (Wis.), Wisconsin troops at, 95. 

Camp Wood (Ky.), Wisconsin troops at, 109. 

Camp Wood (Wis.), Wisconsin troops at, 95. 

Carroll College, established, 1; graduate, 257. 

Chadwick, F. E., Causes of the Civil War, 25. 

Chapin, Col. A. R., 94. 

Charleston (S. C), 63. 

Chattanooga (Tenn.), sanitary agent at, 243. 

Cherry, W. N., 129. 

Chester, Rev. Arthur T., marries, 91. 

Chicago (III.), 120; sanitary commission, 174. 

Chicago and Northwestern Railway, 120. 

Chinese sugar cane, in Wisconsin, 30, 31. 

Chrystie, Capt. Alexander, 73. 

Cincinnati (Ohio), 59, 120, 127; Wisconsin troops at, 125. 

Clark, Dr. R. B., 119. 

Cleveland (Ohio), conference of governors at. 2. 

Clinton (Wis.), Harvey at, 89, 91. 

Cobb, Col. Amasa, 94, 

Colonization, recommended, 22-25. 

Columbia County (Wis.), Lewis at, 199. 

Columbus (Wis.), Lewis at, 199. 

Commerce, in 1863, 153, 154. 

Compromise, conference attempts, 45. 

Conference of governors, Randall at, 2. 

Congressional Glol>e, 1863, 153. 

Conkling, J. C, letter to, 234. 

Coon, Col. S. Park, 94. 

Corson, R. R., sanitary agent, 212. 

Courts, policy of federal, 12, 13, 101, 209; Dred Scott decision, 19; Wis- 
consin Supreme, 125, 126; decisions of, 166, 283, 284; Second Judi- 
cial Circuit, 2. See also United States and Wisconsin. 

Crawford County Volunteers, organized, 73. 

Crittenden, John J., proposes amendments, 45. 

[307] 



INDEX 

Cumberland, Army of, Wisconsin troops in, 214. 
Cutler, Col. Lysander, 94. 

Dane County (Wis.), 257. 

Daniels, Col. E., commands cavalry, 95. 

Davenport, George E., sanitary agent, 213. 

Davis, George B., Military Laws of the United States, 4. 

Davis, Jefferson, 265. 

Dawes, Capt. William J., 73. 

Democratic party, in 1860, 101; in 1863, 166; in 1864, 239; divided, 2; 

member of, 114, 199. 
Dennet, Capt. — , 73. 

Dennison, William, postmaster-general, 3. 
Deserters, disfranchised, 299. 
De Soto (Wis.), troops from, 73. 
Dill, Col. Daniel J., at Camp Randall, 180, 181. 
Doolittle, James R., 155. 
Doran, Col. John L., 78, 95. 
Draft, necessary, 136, 137; execution of, 183-189, 217-220; in 1862,. 

159-168; riots, 115, 147-151, 165, 166, 179, 180, 184, 185. 
Dred Scott decision, 19. 
Druecker, John, rioter, 166. 
"Dunleith", Mississippi steamboat, 90. 

Eau Claire (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

Education, report concerning, 228-230. 

Elliot, Gen. W. L., at Camp Randall, 166; letter to, 181. 

Elmira (N. Y.), Randall at, 3; Wisconsin soldiers, 85. 

Ely, Capt. George B., 52. 

Emancipation Proclamation, 178, 232-236, 240. See also Lincoln and 

Slavery. 
England, policy of, 235, 236, 261. 
Erie Canal, enlargement, 153-155. 
Estee, Capt. Stephen, 73. 

Fairchild, Cassius, state agent, 86. 

Fairchild, Jairus Cassius, 257. 

Fairchild, Gov. Lucius, inaugural address, 263-270; annual m^sage, 

first, 271-281; second 286-294; third, 295-299; fourth, 300-302; 

special messages, 282, 283, 299, 302, 303; proclamation, 283-285 r 

biography, 257; portrait. 

[308] 



INDEX 

Fairchild, Sally Blair, 257. 

Fennimore (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

Finances, review of, 155-157, 201-203, 222-224, 260, 272-274, 286, 
295, 296; recommendations for, 47, 48, 105, 106, 122, 123; military 
funds, 93, 174, 175, 189, 190, 255, 256; war expenditures, 55, 64- 
69, 74, 75, 80^88, 93, 94, 96, 141-143; war bonds, 48, 67, OS, 81- 
84, 93, 105, 106, 110-113, 142, 202, 273. War claims, see United 
States and Wisconsin. 

Finnicum, Capt. Mark, 73. 

Fiske, John, The Mississippi Valley in the Civil War, 153. 

Fitchburg (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

Flax, grown in Wisconsin, 31. 

Folwell, W. W., Minnesota, 171. 

Fond du Lac (Wis.), troops from, 52; troops at. 95. 

Ford, P. L., Writings of Thomas Jefferson, 24. 

Fort Pillow (Tenn.), prison at, 292. 

Fort Sumpter, fall of, 48. 208, 217. 

Fosdick, Capt. John S., 120, 128. 129. 

Foster, Capt. J. F., 73. 

Fox Lake (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

Fox and Wisconsin River Improvement, recommendations for, 1.~3-15.~. 

France, policy of, 235, 236, 261. 

Franklin, Benjamin, attitude toward slavery, 237. 

Fugitive Slave Law, enacted, 209; obstructed, 41, 42. See also Personal 
Liberty Laws. 

Genesee (Wis.), inhabitant, 107. 

Georgia, resolution from, 45. 

Germans, in Wisconsin regiment, 71; on negro. suffrage, 284. 

Gettysburg (Pa.), Soldiers' National Cemetery at, 214, 215, 245, 246. 

282, 290. 
Grand Army of the Republic, Fairchild in, 258. 
Grant, Gen. Ulysses S., 236; at Holly Springs. 196; letter to, 299, 
Grant County (Wis.), troops from, 52. 
Green. Capt. James H.. 73. 
Greenbush (Wis.), troops from, 73. 
Greenfield (Wis.), post-office at, 109. 

[309] 



INDEX 

Habeas corpus, extended to fugitives, 41, 42; suspended, 166. 

Halleck, Maj. Gen. Henry W., 117. 

Halsted, L. C, state surgeon, 211. 

Hamilton, Col. C. S., 94. 

Harpers Ferry (Va.), John Brown at, 25; Wisconsin troops, 94. 

Harris, Col. C. L., 94. 

Harrisburg (Pa.), Wisconsin soldiers at, 85. 

Harvey, Mrs. C. A. P., sanitary agent, 212-214, 243; establishes hos- 
pitals, 228; Orphans' Home, 278-280; biography, 91. 

Harvey, Gov. Louis P., 84; messages, first annual, 92-103; special, 
103-106, 109-113; expenditures of, 189; letter to, 106; death, 90, 
91, 113, 114, 116, 119-121, 127-129; biography, 89-91. 

Harvey, J. S., 120; at Paducah, 124. 

Hastings, Samuel D., state treasurer, 85; letter from, 106, 107. 

Heg, Col. H. C, 78, 95. 

Henry, Patrick, cited, 234. 

Henry, W. W., Li/e o/ Patrick Henry, 234. 

Hertzberg, Capt. B. F., 73. 

Hill, — , state agent, 86. 

Holton, James, disbursing oflBcer, 51, 52, 64; assistant quartermaster 
general, 82. 

Holly Springs (Miss.), surrender of, 196. 

Horicon (Wis.), troops from, 50. 

Hospitals, northern, 172-174, 214, 241; Wisconsin wounded in, 182, 
227, 228, 243, 244. 

Howe, Col. Frank E., sanitary agent, 212, 213. 

Hubbell, Judge Levi, resigns, 2. 

Hurlbut, Edwin, sanitary agent, 86. 

Hurn, Ethel A., Wisconsin Women in the War, 214, 228, 280. 

Hyde, Lieut. — , 73. 

Illinois, resolution from, 45; quota, 61; Agricultural Society, 154. 

Illinois Central Railroad Company, letter from, 154. 

Ilsley, Charles L., aids Orphans' Home, 278, 279. 

Imphee, in Wisconsin, 30, 31. 

Indians, cause massacre, 137-139; panic, 138, 139, 146, 170, 171; in 

Wisconsin, 230, 231. 
Indiana, resolution from, 45; 29th Infantry, 120, 128, 129. 
Invalid Corps, Wisconsin troops in, 204. 

[310] 



INDEX 

Iowa, congressman, 155. 

Irish, in Wisconsin regiment, 78, 95. 

Iron Brigade, record, 170; Wisconsin troops in, 258. 

Jackson, Andrew, cited, 236. 

James, R. G., state surgeon, 211. 

Janesville (Wis.), troops from, 52, 73; troops at, 95. 

"January", Mississippi steamboat, 90. 

Jefferson, Thomas, cited, 23, 24, 38, 237. 

Johnson, Pres. Andrew, 271; appoints Randall, 3; proclamation, 2.53. 

Johnston, Alexander, "Personal Liberty Laws", in J. J. Lalor, Cyclo- 

poBdia of Political Science, 41. 
Jones, B. L., sanitary agent, 243. 

Kansas, slavery question in, 8-11, 25. 

Kansas-Nebraska Act, enacted, 8. 

Kemp, Nicholas, rioter, 166. 

Kenosha (Wis.), troops from, 50; Harvey at, 89. 

Keokuk (Iowa), relief expedition to, 124; sanitary agent at, 213, 243. 

Kingston Guards, organized, 73. 

La Crosse (Wis.), troops from, 52, 73. 

La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad Company, bribes legislature, 46., 

"Lady Pike", Mississippi steamboat, 120, 127, 128. 

La Fayette, Marquis de, cited, 237. 

Lambert, — , invents tourniquet, 195. 

Lamott, Capt. — , mustering oflScer, 130. 

Lancaster (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

Lee, Gen. Robert E., in Maryland, 135; surrenders, 246-249. 

Lewis, Eleanor Robertson. 199. 

Lewis, Gov. James T., military vote for, 208; annual messages, 201-211, 
221-239; special messages, 144, 145, 211-215, 240-244, 255, 256; 
proclamations, 216-220, 224, 248-254; farewell address, 260-263; 
letter from, 278, 279; letter to, 107-109; biography, 199. 

Lewis, Shubael, 199. 

Lincoln, Pres. Abraham, 3, 60; vote for, 239; elected, 39-41, 57; com- 
munications to, 46, 174, 195, 196; calls for troops, 48, 50, 54, 80, 84, 
117, 126, 135, 136, 158, 159, 185, 257; administration, 177-179;, 

[311] 



INDEX 

Lincoln (co; tinned) — 

appoinlinents, 98, 99, 175; policy, 101, 102, 131; suspends habeas 
corpus. 1G6; proclamations, 148, 149, 165, 166, 188; Emancipation 
Proclamation, 232-236, 240; assassinated, 249, 271. 

Lodge, H. C, The Federalist, 12, 37. 

Louisville (Ky.), Wisconsin troops at, 94; sanitary agent. 243. 

Loyell, Col. Charles S., provost marshal general, 219. 

Low, Jacob, sanitary agent, 213. 

Lowell, James Russell, Fairchild succeeds, 258. 

Loyal Legion, Fairchild in, 2.58. 

Lakes: Erie, 154; Superior, iron near, 100. 

Mc I^E, Capt. David, .:-2. 

Me Pherson, B., History of the Rebellion, 45. 

Madison (Wis.), 2, 52, 53, 90; troops from, 50, 52; Fairchild at, 257; 
hospital at, 228; cemetery, 91; Soldiers' Orphans' Home, 279; 
State Journal, 182. 

Maloney, Col. M., 94. 

Manitowoc (Wis.), Salomon at, 114. 

Manitowoc County (Wis.), draft in, 162, 163, 168. 

Marshall, Samuel, aids Orphans' Home, 278, 279. 287, 288. 

Maryland, resolutions from, 131; Lee in, 135, 143. 

Massachusetts, resolution from, 45. 

Mellen, William P., 120, 121; letter from, 129. 

Memphis (Tenn.), sanitary agent at, 212, 213; Mrs. Harvey, 243; 
massacre, 292. 

"Merrimac", sunk, 194. 

Michigan, resolution from, 45. 

Militia, organized, 2; condition, 15, 224, 225; recommendations relating 
to, 4, 5, 27-30, 32, 136-139, 170, 171, 275, 297; Lewis in, 199; Gover- 
nor's Guard, 257; law, amended, 203, 205. 224; vetoed, 132-1?^ 

Miller, Andrew, 108. 

MUls, Simeon, paymaster general, 65-67, 93. 

Milwaukee (Wis.). 51. 52, 64-66, 82, 109, 120; troops from, 50, 73; 
troops at, 95; miUtary camp, 71, 94; naval depot, 100; hospital, 228; 
Soldiers' Home, 245; Second Judicial Circuit, 2; Salomon at, 114. 

Milwaukee County (Wis.), divided, 1; draft riot. 115. 149-151. 

Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien Railway, 120. 

Mineral Point (Wis.), troops from, 52. 

Miners, furnish troops, 52. 

[312] 



INDEX 

"Minnehaha", Mississippi steamboat, 90. 

Minnesota, resolution from, 45; Indian massacre in, 137-139, 171, 230, 

Mississippi, Army of, Wisconsin soldiers in, 124. 

Missouri, 59; Wisconsin troops in, 95. \ 

Missouri Compromise, repealed, 7, 8, 11, 25, 209. 

Monroe County Bank, 93. 

Mound City (Kans.), sanitary agent at, 243. 

Murphy, Col. R. C, 94; dismissed, 195, 196. 

Nashville (Tenn.), sanitary agent at, 212, 214, 243. 

Nebel, Elise, marries, 114. 

Neenah (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

Negroes, free, 20-22, 24, 41, 42, 266, 287; in Union army, 236; popu- 
lation, 16, 21. See also Suffrage and Slavery. 

New Jersey, resolution from, 45. 

New London (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

New Orleans (La.), 236; sanitary agent at, 213; Mrs. Harvey, 243; 
massacre, 292. 

New York (City), Wisconsin troops at, 125; sanitary agent, 173, 212, 
213; draft in, 183. 

New York (State), resolution from, 45; bounties, 159. 

Nicolay, J. G. and Hay, J., Works of Abraham Lincoln, 148. 

Noble, Lieut. Gov. Butler G., special message, 47; proclamation, 78, 79. 

Norfolk (Va.), 194. 

North Carolina, letter from, 46. 

O'CoNNOK, Col. Edgar, at Gainesville, 258. 

Ohio, resolution from, 45. 

OrfE, Capt. Henry, 73. 

Orphans' Home, soldiers', established, 227, 278-281, 2S7-2S9; conduct 

of, 296, 300, 301. 
Oshkosh (Wis.), troops from, 52. 
■Ostrander, D., sanitary agent, 243. 
Oxford (Wis.), inhabitant, 108. 
'Ozaukee County (Wis.), draft riot in, 115, 147, 148, 150, 152. 165, 166, 

179, 180, 184, 185. 

Paducah (Ky.), 128; sanitary agent at, 243. 
Paine, Col. Halbert E., 94; disbursing officer, 52. 

[3^3 ] 



INDEX 

Paxson, Frederic L., The Last American Frontier, 137. 

Peace, conference attempts, 45. See also Compromise. 

Pennsylvania, resolution from, 45. 

Pensions, United States, 192, 193, 204. 

Perkins, Capt. John E., 73. 

Perrine, Cordelia A., marries, 89. 

Perry, Capt. Charles, 73. 

Personal Liberty Laws, upheld, 41, 42. 

Philadelphia (Pa.), draft in, 183; sanitary agent at, 173, 212, 214, 243.. 

Pittsburg (Ohio), 59. 

Pittsburg Landing (Tenn.), Harvey at, 90, 128; Wisconsin troops, 124. 

PoUeys, J. W., 82. 

Pors, William A., violence to, 147, 148; petition from, 184, 185. 

Portage (Wis.), troops from, 52, 73. 

Portage County. See Columbia County. 

Potomac, Army of, Wisconsin troops in, 258. 

Prairieville. See Waukesha. 

Prairieville Academy. See Carroll College. 

Prairie du Chien (Wis.), troops from, 73; hospital at, 228. 

Prairie du Sac (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

QuENTiN, Charles, death, 121. 

Quincy (111.), sanitary agent at, 213. 

Quiner, E. B., Military History of Wisconsin, 148, 150. 

Racine (Wis.), 119; troops from, 52; troops at, 95. 

Randall, Gov. Alexander W., appointments, 103, 257; appropriation 
to, 93; annual messages, 4-26, 29-44; special messages, 27, 28,^ 
45-48, 53-74, 80-88; proclamations, 48-53, 74-78; biography, 1-3. 

Randall, Phineas, 1. 

Randall, Sarah Beach, 1. 

Randolph, Lieut. Julius F., 52. 

Rayner, B. L,, Life and Writings of Thomas Jefferson, 23. 

Rebellion Records, 49, 136, 204, 234. 

Reconstruction, programme for, 262-270, 291-294, 297-299, 301, 302. 

Republican party, in 1858-59, 2; 1860, 101; 1861-63, 90, 114, 200, 208; 
1864. 239. 

Rhodes, J. F., United States, 5, 7, 11, 20, 25, 236, 297. 

[314] 



INDEX 

Richardson, J. D., Messages and Papers of the Presidents, 48. 
Richmond (Va.), fall of, 248. 
Ridden, G., state surgeon, 211. 
Rivers : 

Fox, U. S. armory on, 100. 

Hudson, 154. / 

Mississippi, 59, 60, 154; opening of, 153. 

Ohio, 59. 

Tennessee, 127; accident on, 113, 116, 119; Wisconsin soldiers on, 124. 
Rock County (Wis.), delegate from, 89. 
Robbins, J. V., claim of, 194. 
Rome, Randall at, 3. 

Rourke, Capt. John, furnishes escort, 120. 
Ruggles, Gen. George D., letters from, 130. 
Russia, frees serfs, 22. 

St. Domingo, revolution in, 24. 

St. Louis (Mo.), 59; Wisconsin troops at, 94, 105, 125; sanitary agent, 

212, 213, 243; Sanitary Convmission, 174. 
Salisbury (N. C), prison at, 292. 
Salomon, Charles, 114. 
Salomon, Christopher, 114. 
Salomon, Dorothea (Klussman), 114. 
Salomon, Gov. Edward, letter to, 103, 127; letter from, 212; contingent 

fund, 255; annual message, 152-179; special message, 119-127, 

130-143, 179-185, 189-196; proclamations, 116-118, 146-151, 185- 

189, 197, 198; suit against, 166; biography, 144. 
Salomon, Col. Frederick, 94, 114. 

Sanborn, J. B., "Story of the Fox- Wisconsin Improvement", 154. 
Sanders. Col. Horace T., 95; sanitary agent, 86. 
Sanitary agents, 84-88, 91, 97, 103, 120, 124, 172-174, 181, 182, 212-214, 

227, 242-244. 
Savannah (Tenn.), 129; Harvey at, 90, 113, 119, 127, 128. 
' Scandinavians, in Wisconsin regiment, 78, 95. 
Schurz, Carl, statesman, 2. 

Secession, 26, 32-45, 56, 101, 208-210; defeated, 264. 265, 268'. 
Selleck, W. Y., sanitary agent, 212, 243; report of, 214, 245, 246, 282. 
Seward, William H., letter from, 302. 
Shanran, Mrs. Mary, 109. 

[315] 



INDEX 

-Shaw, — , 107. 

Sheboygan County Independents, organized, 73. 

Sherman, Gen. William T., Memoirs, US. 

Sholes, C. L., state agent, 103. 

Shopiere (Wis.), Harvey at, 89. 

Singleton, — , recovers Harvey's body, 120, 128, 129. 

Sioux. See Indians. 

Slavery, agitated. 2; review of, .5-2(5, 209. 210, 261-233; causes war, 
39-43, 102, 103; Emancipation Proclamation, 178, 232-239, 240; 
abolition, 240, 241, 2.52, 265, 206, 268, 269. See also Colonization, 
and Negroes. 
Slave trade, reopened, 19, 20. 
Smith, George C, sanitary agent, 212, 213. 
Smith, Perry H., 120. 

Smith, T. C, Parties and Slavery. 5. 

Soldiers' Home, established, 244, 245. 

South Carolina, secedes, 43. 

Southport. See Kenosha. 

Southport Academy, Harvey at, 89. 

Southport Ame7Hcan, editor, 89. 

Sparks, Jared, letter to, 24. 

Spring, L. W., Kansas, 11. 

Stanton, Edwin M., secretary of war, 138; policy, 140. 

Starkweather, Col. J. C, at Falling Waters, 94. 

State agents. See Sanitary agents. 

States rights, Randall discusses, 5-13, 16-19, 32-44. 

Stephens, Alexander H., cited, 236. 

Stevens, Rev. J. D., sanitary agent, 213. 

Sturges, George W., sanitary agent, 212, 213, 243. 

Sturges, Orlina M., marries, 199. 

Suffrage, abuse of, 206; foreign, 284; negro, 1, 253, 254, 266, 267, 283- 

285, 302, 303; soldiers', 140, 141, 208, 230, 239. 
Sugar, in Wisconsin, 30, 31. 
Sugar River Rifles, organized, 73. 
Sullivan, Patrick, memorial from, 131. 
Swift, Medical Director Eben, letter from, 241. 

Tariff, reduction of, 209. 

Taxation, federal, 97-99, 155, 156; state, 156, 157. 273. 274. 

[316] 



INDEX 

Tennessee, resolution from, 45; Harvey in, 120; Wisconsin troops, 116; 

accepts amendment, 292. 
Territories, slavery in, 6-10, 17-19, 39-41. 
Texas, resolution from, 45. 
Thomas, Helen M., married, 3. 
Thwaites, Reuben G., Wisconsin, 171, 231. 
Tourniquets, for wounded, 195. 
Trakat, Julius, volunteer, 108. 
Trakat, J. H., letter from, 108. 
Trakat, Mary J., relief for, 107. 
Trowbridge, Capt. J. M., mustering officer, 130. 

Union party, in 1861, 90; 1861-63, 200; 1863, 258. 

United States, 100; taxes, 97-99, 155-156; war claim against, 93, 98, 
109, 110, 141, 142, 155, 156, 176, 184, 185, 202, 203, 223. 224, 272, 
273' 287, 295, 296, 300; cession from, 279, 280; Constitution 
Amended,' 45, 47, 240, 241, 266, 268, 290, 291, 302, 303; Supreme 
Court, 13, 19, 209; 16tli Infantry, 257. 

Van Deutsch, Capt. Gustav, commands cavalry, 95; aid for, 74, 75. 

Van Dor, Col. Joseph, 94. 

Van Dorn, Gen. Earl, surprises Holly Springs, 196. 

Van Vechten, Mary C, married, 1. 

Vicksburg (Miss.), Mrs. Harvey at, 212. 

Virginia, divided, 9; slavery in, 16; resolution from, 45. 

Volunteers, from Wisconsin, 48-50, 52, 54, 61, 74, 75, 78, 94-96, 117, 
118, 126, 140, 143, 158-170, 186-189, 203, 204, 225, 226, 260, 264, 
275! 276; suits against, 190, 191; aid for dependent families, 74, 
75, 93, 97, 104-109, 126, 141, 142, 144, 145, 156, 157, 192, 193, 202, 
204, 205, 222, 228, 273, 282; thanks to, 251, 252; brevets for, 289. 
See also Wisconsin. 

Wadsworth, Commissary Gen. E. R., 82; sanitary agent, 124. 

Walker, Capt. William, 120, 128. 

Washburn, Col. Cadwallader C, 95, 130. 

Washington, George, 236, 237. 

Washington (D. C), capital, 139, 142, 143, 272, 287; peace conference 

at, 45; endangered, 135; Wisconsin troops at, 94; sanitary agent, 

178, 212, 214, 243. 

[317] 



INDEX 

Waterloo (Wis.), troops from, 73. 

Waterloo. See Shopiere. 

Watsou, W. H., private secretary, 84. 

Waukesha (Wis.), Randalls at, 1; Assembly district, 2. 

Waukesha County (Wis.), organized, 1; inhabitants, 107. 

Wesley, John, cited, 237. 

West Bend (Wis.), inhabitant, 107. 

Wheeler, Oapt. Calvin J., 73. 

Whig, party, 2; paper, 89. 

Whipple, Lieut. Col. Charles, presents memento, 194. 

Winslow, J. B., Story of a Great Court, 13, 166, 284. 

Wisconsin, organized, 9; first constitutional convention, 1, 284; second 
constitutional convention, 89, 199; constitution. 9, 27; Supreme 
Court, 13, 125, 126, 166, 283, 284; war policy, 118; veomen in war, 
51, 52, 227; war claims against, 130, 131, 194; state fair, 245; 
regiments, 1st Infantry 49, 50, 54, 55, 65, 66, 93, 94, 109, 257; 2nd 
Infantry, 52, 65, 66, 94, 257, 258; 3rd Infantry, 65, 66, 94; 4th 
Infantry, 65, 66, 94; 5th Infantry, 94; 6th Infantry, 94; 7th In- 
fantry, 94; 8th Infantry, 94, 195; 9th Infantry, 95, 108; 10th In- 
fantry, 94, 108; 11th Infantry, 94; 12th Infantry, 95; 13th Infantry. 
95; 14th Infantry, 95, 105; 15th Infantry, 78, 95, 105; 16th In- 
fantry, 78, 95, 105; 17th Infantry, 78, 95; 18th Infantry, 78, 95; 
19th Infantry, 95, 131, 194; 20th Infantry, 117, 126, 161; 25th In- 
fantry, 180; 27th Infantry, 161, 183; 30th Infantry, 180; 31st In- 
fantry, 161, 183; 35th Infantry, 186, 187; 1st Cavalry, 95, 130; 2nd 
Cavalry, 95, 130; 3rd Cavalry, 95, 130; 5th Battery, 211; 7th Bat- 
tery, 211; 10th Battery, 211; 11th Battery, 120; Assembly Journal. 
1858, 4; 1860, 28; 1861, 46; 1864, 211, 214; 1866, 283; 1868, 299; 
Senate Journal, 1858, 4, 5; 1860, 20, 27; 1861, 46, 48; 1862, 42, 67, 
68, 83, 84, 103; 1863, 180, 181; 1864, 212; 1865, 241; Messages and 
Documents, 93; 1862, 68; 1863, 171; 1865, 225; 1866, 275; 1867, 
290; 1868, 295, 297; Executive Register, 116; Legislative Mamial, 
140; General Laws, 1849, 284; 1851, 4; 1857, 4; 1858, 4; 1861, 46, 
48, 54, 80, 93; 1861, extra session, 62, 64, 67, 68, 83, 93; 1862. 42. 
97, 99, 100, 106, 109, 113, 123, 126, 171; 1862, extra session, 140. 
142-144, 230; 1863, 155, 157, 162, 165, 174-176, 185. 190. 193-195. 
203, 223, 224, 228, 230; 1864, 203, 205, 206, 224; 1865, 224, 226-228. 
230, 243, 267; 1866, 157, 206, 275, 280; 1867. 287; 1868. 295; 1874. 
301; Private Laws. 1865, 245; Revised Statutes. 1849, 13; 1858, 4, 

[318] 



INDEX 

Wisconsin (continued) — 

27, 42, 162; Agricultural Society Transactions. 31. See also, 

Finance, Militia, United States, Volunteers. 
"Wisconsin Aid Society, at Washington, 173. 
Wisconsin Historical Society, 259; organized, 199. 
Wisconsin University, 2, 200, 259; regents, 90, 114, 115; in 1862, 157; 

land grant, 205, 206; buildings for, 301; Report of Regents. 1862, 

157. 

Wolcott, E. B., state agent, 124; surgeon general, 120, 211. 

Wolf River Rifles, organized, 73. 

Women in war. See Wisconsin. 

Wood, Col. D. E., 95. 

Worthington, D., 279. 

Wounded and sick, 90, 116, 123-125, 171-174, 256, 296. See also Sani- 
tary agents and. Hospitals. 

York (Pa.), sanitary agent at, 243. 
Toung, Capt. William C, 73. 



[319] 



JAW V3 1913 ' 



